Nagpur: Inaugurating the Special Olympics Bharat’s State competition at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Kirit Somaiya expressed confidence in the potential of special athletes to excel at the state level. He emphasized the need for increased attention to these athletes, predicting that their dedication could lead to medal victories for the country in the Paralympic Games.
The Nagpur Division of Special Olympics Bharat organized a sports competition specifically designed for specially-abled individuals. Dr. Medha Somaiya, Dr. Sanjay Dudhe, Dr. Sharad Suryawanshi, Mohan Mate, DG Chaudhary, Dr. Bhagwan Talware, and international table tennis player Prateek Mopkar were among the notable figures present at the event.
Acknowledging the efforts of coaches dedicated to training special children, Kirit Somaiya called for collective action to integrate disabled sportsmen into mainstream society. The opening day featured a range of events, including various races, shot put, long jump, table tennis, skating, badminton, basketball, football, volleyball, and handball.
More than 600 players and 150 coaches from 36 districts across the state are actively participating in the competition. Vishal Naik, President of Special Nagpur, administered the oath to the players, and Umesh Warjurkar, the Secretary, provided introductory remarks. The program, conducted by Dyaneshwar Amle, concluded with a vote of thanks.
The success of the event is attributed to the hard work of individuals such as Suhasini Kshirsagar, Prashant Ahirkar, Lokesh Chole, Maroti Bhoyar, Dinesh Bhonde, Dheeraj Gotmare, Mangesh Musale, Rajesh Bhamkar, Sanjay Rokde, Jitu Patil, Dinesh Akhand, and others who have dedicated their efforts to its organization.
