The State Games Athletics 2025 for Special Athletes concluded at the Jaipur Military Station with outstanding success, marking a trans-formative milestone in Rajasthan’s inclusive sports landscape. The event jointly organised by a historic collaboration between the Sapta Shakti AWWA and Special Olympics Bharat-Rajasthan Chapter reflected a maiden endeavor with powerful vision of building a society based on dignity, compassion and equal opportunity.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ms Diya Kumari, inaugurated the State Games in the presence of Mrs (Dr) Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat (SOB), Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command, Mrs Barinder Jit Kaur, Regional President AWWA, Sapta Shakti Command and Mrs Vinita Ahuja, president, Special Olympics Bharat-Rajasthan Chapter.
The Championship opened with an impressive march past by special athletes from 20 districts, joined by NCC cadets with the drum beats echoing across the parade ground, created an atmosphere of pride and purpose. The students of Army Public School, Jaipur, presented a traditional Rajasthani dance showcasing the vibrancy, colours and artistic identity of the state.
A total of 247 specially- abled athletes from various districts across Rajasthan showcased their talent across seven track and field events. These sporting disciplines allowed participants to demonstrate physical ability, confidence and discipline.
The Indian Army provided significant administrative and logistical support to outstation athletes and a special highlight of the event was the comprehensive medical and health assessments camp, conducted by specialist doctors from Military Hospital, Jaipur. In addition, a specially curated Resource Book for the guardians of Children with Special Needs, was formally unveiled by Ms Diya Kumari during the event, marking an important step toward long-term parent awareness and support.
Mrs (Dr) Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration with the Indian Army. She highlighted that specially abled children have participated in many national and international events including the recently organised World Summer Games Berlin and won over 200 medals. She also enumerated the incentives and remunerations being awarded by Govt of India and Sports & Youth ministry for encouragement of the children. She also reinforced the job opportunities and pension schemes for the specially abled children to make them Atmanirbhar.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ms Diya kumari commended the courage of the young athletes and acknowledged the efforts of the Sapta Shakti AWWA and Special Olympics Bharat for creating a dignified, structured & motivating platform for special athletes and creating the awareness in the society for recognition of the special needs of the children and enabling them to be part of the main stream.
Army Commander emphasised that the Indian Army has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen national inclusion. He also highlighted that these children have a special outlook towards the society and we need to look at them with their outlook to identify their specialties of requirements & work towards curating those abilities for inclusion in the society. He reaffirmed Sapta Shakti Command’s commitment to the holistic development of children with special needs recognising their creativity, memory and endurance. He also highlighted numerous initiatives under taken by the Command through Asha Schools, Early Intervention Centres, Asha Kiran & Asha Milap initiatives, screening camps and job opportunities for enabling these children with special abilities.
The Championship concluded with high enthusiasm, heartfelt celebrations and renewed resolve. The team of athletes selected from Rajasthan will participate in the National Special Olympics Bharat Games scheduled in Delhi, following a structured training camp. The collective efforts of Sapta Shakti AWWA, the Indian Army and Special Olympics Bharat have reinforced the belief that with the right support, motivation and opportunity, every child can rise, excel and inspire. The Indian Army remains steadfast in its mission to foster a progressive, empowered and inclusive society ensuring that such meaningful initiatives continue to grow in scale and impact.
