New Delhi: HCLFoundation, the CSR arm of HCLTech, has launched a new initiative to support elite and emerging para-athletes as part of its ongoing Sports for Change programme. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India. Sports for Change has focused on helping young athletes from underserved communities pursue sports as a path to personal growth and opportunity. The latest effort aims to strengthen the preparation of top para-athletes for major international events.
Speaking to ANI, Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia said, "The biggest thing is that today we have a collaboration with the S-HCL Foundation and the Paralympic Committee of India, and under that, they have helped our athletes through a CSR program. Our first priority is to work at the grassroots level. You only see athletes playing in stadiums, but athletes also play in villages. People with disabilities, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen years old, don't want to leave their villages. Through programs like this, we reach out to athletes who are talented but unable to venture out."
He added, “India’s para-athletes have shown extraordinary talent and determination, and with the right support, they can achieve even greater success internationally. Organisations like HCLFoundation play a crucial role in creating a stronger ecosystem for para-sports that provides athletes with the equipment, training and nutrition they need to excel. Such initiatives not only uplift our athletes but also strengthen the spirit of inclusion and pride in Indian sports.”
Fourteen elite para-athletes received sports equipment worth Rs 37 lakh. The list includes Sandip Sargar, Gayathri HM, Kasthuri Rajamani, Pradeep Kumar, Amisha Rawat and Bhagyashree Madhavrao Jadav, all of whom have earned medals at recent global competitions.
Six budding para-athletes supported under Sports for Change were awarded scholarships ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh based on their needs.
Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation, said, “Over the past few years, Indian para-athletes have excelled in the global sporting arenas and have made India proud. We are delighted to support their endeavour through our Sports for Change initiative, which has been a catalyst for transformation. We will continue to supercharge progress for the athletes and the community at large through our programs.”
To date, more than 64,000 athletes have been reached through Sports for Change, and 25 para-athletes have represented India at international events. HCLFoundation has deployed close to Rs 80 crore under this initiative so far.
BI Bureau
Source: ANI
