- HMIF has partnered with GoSports Foundation to support 20 para-athletes for three years.
- Structured support including financial aid that will support, sports science guidance, assistive devices, and mentorship to the para athletes.
- Samarth Para-Sports Programme covers eight key sports categories.
GURUGRAM (India CSR): In a monumental announcement today, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) onboarded 20 para-athletes for a period of three years under its ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’. This initiative, in collaboration with NGO partner GoSports Foundation, is part of Hyundai Motor India Limited’s broader ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative. The ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ is designed to offer structured support to para-athletes, including financial aid, expert sports science guidance, access to assistive devices, soft skill development assistance and mentorship from renowned coaches and experts to the selected 20 para-athletes.
The program has identified talented athletes across eight key sports categories: Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming, Para-Badminton, Wheelchair Tennis, Para-Archery, Para-Rowing, Para-Canoeing, and Para-Cycling. The selected athletes include 15 emerging (aged 13 & above) and 5 elite (aged 16 and above) para-athletes from across India. The para athletes will receive the resources and mentorship needed to excel at a global level, representing the indomitable spirit of India.
Speaking at the event, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “At Hyundai Motor India Limited, we are committed to fostering a world where each individual can contribute meaningfully. The Samarth Para-Sports Programme aligns with our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and aims to foster an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting Para-athletes, our endeavor is to showcase their incredible talent on a world stage and give them a chance to pursue their passions. My best wishes to the GoSports Foundation and all the selected 20 para-athletes. I am sure these athletes will inspire countless others with their courage and determination and make India proud.”
Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO, GoSports Foundation said, “GoSports foundation has been a pioneer who has institutionalized support to para-athletes and we are looking forward to creating a larger change with Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s Samarth Para Sports Programme. We aim to establish a platform for young and talented para-athletes to thrive and reach the pinnacle of para-sports, Paralympics. We are confident that with the right suppor and approach, we will be able to make India a great sporting nation.”
Athletes selected for the program include:
| S.no. | Athlete Name | Sports Category | Location | S.no. | Athlete Name | Sports Category | Location | |
| 1 | Arvind Kumar Saini | Para- Archery | Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2 | Bhavik Bharwad | Para- Athletics (100 m & 400m) | Nadiad, Gujarat | |
| 3 | Chirag | Para-Athletics (100m) | New Delhi | 4 | Dipesh Kumar | Para- Athletics (Javelin) | Hathras,Uttar Pradesh | |
| 5 | Abhishek Jadhav | Para-Athletics (100m & 200m) | Kohlapur, Maharashtra | 6 | Banti | Para-Athletics (High Jump) | Churu, Rajasthan | |
| 7 | Balaji Rajendran | Para-Athletics (Shotput, Discus) | Salem,Tamil Nadu | 8 | Harshit Choudhary | Para- Badminton | Sanwer,Madhya Pradesh | |
| 9 | Rachna Patel | Para- Badminton | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 10 | Sakshi Kasana | Para-Athletics(Discuss,Shot Put,Javelin) | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | |
| 11 | Yash Kumar | Para- Canoeing | Agra,Uttar Pradesh | 12 | Shreyansh Trivedi | Para- Athletics (100m & 200m) | New Delhi | |
| 13 | Sahil Hooda | Para-Archery | Rohtak, Haryana | 14 | Palak Kohli | Para- Badminton | Jalandhar, Punjab | |
| 15 | Haney | Para-Athletics (Discus, Javelin) | Rohtak, Haryana | 16 | E Kalaiselvi | Para-Athletics(Wheelchair Racing) | Chennai,Tamil Nadu | |
| 17 | Tejas | Para-Swimming | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 18 | Sarumathi | Para-Badminton | Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu | |
| 19 | Basavaraj Kundaragi | Wheelchair Tennis | Dharwad, Karnataka | 20 | Sathi Mondal | Para-Swimming | Champahati, West Bengal |
The ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ establishes a transformative platform for, aspiring para-athletes, empowering them on their journey towards sporting excellence and overall development. This initiative not only nurtures talent but also aims to enhance India’s stature on the global stage, creating opportunities and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence.
