Special Olympics Bharat National Championship Athletics Inaugurated at MDU Rohtak
The Sports Complex of Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak transformed into a beacon of inclusion and empowerment on Tuesday with the grand inauguration of the Special Olympics Bharat National Championship Athletics. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini formally inaugurated the prestigious event, which has drawn nearly 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 27 states across India.
A Celebration of Human Spirit and Potential
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that hosting Special Olympics Bharat at the historic MDU campus is a matter of immense pride not only for Haryana but for the entire nation. This championship transcends mere medal counts – it represents a profound celebration of the indomitable human spirit, unwavering self-belief, and limitless potential inherent in every individual.
The CM highlighted that Special Olympics sends a powerful societal message: talent knows no bounds, regardless of physical or intellectual challenges. Such platforms are instrumental in fostering sensitivity, inclusivity, and a positive social mindset. Through the medium of sports, these remarkable athletes achieve comprehensive empowerment – physical, mental, social, and emotional. He described Special Olympics as a global movement dedicated to providing dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance to persons with intellectual disabilities.
Leadership, Achievements, and Government Commitment
Praising Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, CM Saini acknowledged her exemplary leadership in elevating the movement to new heights and inspiring millions of athletes nationwide. He referenced India's recent success at the Special Olympics in Italy, where Indian athletes secured an impressive 33 medals, noting that this achievement has significantly enhanced India's stature on the global sports map.
Reiterating Haryana's reputation as a powerhouse of sports, the Chief Minister affirmed the state government's steadfast commitment to nurturing sporting talent. He announced substantial financial assistance for the championship: Rs 31 lakh from the Chief Minister's fund and an additional Rs 21 lakh from the Sports Minister. Furthermore, he detailed that over the past 11 years, the Haryana government has invested Rs 979 crore in sports infrastructure and incentives, with Rs 683 crore awarded to 16,418 medal-winning athletes.
Our objective is clear, asserted CM Saini: to empower persons with disabilities not as mere beneficiaries, but as leaders and contributors to society. He formally declared the competition open and flagged off the 50-metre race, marking the official commencement of the championship.
Voices from the Podium: Advocacy and Future Vision
In her address, Dr. Mallika Nadda described Haryana as a land renowned not only for brave warriors but also for exceptional athletes and a robust sporting culture. She appealed to the state government to establish a state-of-the-art dedicated stadium for persons with disabilities and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for special budgetary provisions aimed at their welfare. Dr. Nadda reaffirmed that Special Olympics Bharat continues its mission to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream with dignity and equal opportunities, emphasizing their vital role in building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam extended congratulations to the Special Olympics Bharat team and shared that Daulatabad Stadium in Gurugram is being developed as a model centre for athletes with disabilities. He highlighted ongoing initiatives under Mission Olympic 2036 and the Vijayi Olympic Yojana, noting that increased sports budgets by the central government are strategically aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian athletes.
Institutional Support and Distinguished Attendance
Welcoming the dignitaries, MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh remarked that the state has witnessed unprecedented growth in sports under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He hailed the laying of the foundation stone for a Girls' Sports Hostel at MDU by the CM as a historic step toward encouraging and supporting women athletes.
The inaugural event was graced by the presence of Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar, State President Mohan Lal Badoli, MDU VC Prof. Rajbir Singh, former minister Manish Grover, and other notable figures, underscoring the collective commitment to this noble cause.
