Svayam Celebrates World Accessibility Day with Sports Handbook Launch at Khelo India Para Games 2025

( L to R) Mayank Shrivastav, Deputy Director General of SAI Saba Karim
Former Indian Cricketer Union Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Kadse Sminu Jindal Founder-Chairperson of Svayam. 

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: Leading accessibility organization Svayam marked World Accessibility Day 2025 today with the launch of a Sports Accessibility Handbook during the Khelo India Para Games closing ceremony at Indira Gandhi Stadium. Svayam, as the official accessibility partner, has successfully concluded its collaboration with KIPG, marking a significant step toward advancing accessibility and inclusion initiatives. Through this partnership, Svayam has implemented barrier-free systems across venues, including structural upgrades, mobility assistance, and volunteer training. The handbook was launched by the  Union Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Kadse, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam Smt. Sminu Jindal, Joint Secretary Ministry of Sports and Youth Affair, Dr. Shobit Jain and Deputy Director General of Sports Authority of India (SAI) Mr. Mayank Srivastav.

Developed through a detailed study of national and international accessibility standards, the handbook offers practical guidelines for designing, retrofitting, and implementing inclusive sports facilities.

It draws from key reference frameworks such as the Harmonised Guidelines for Universal Accessibility (2021), Guidelines from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for making airports accessible and Guidelines for Accessible Sports Complex and Residential Facilities for Sports Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, it integrates insights from accessibility standards established for Healthcare Facilities, the National Building Code (2016) and Guidelines Implemented for Building Construction highlighting Accessibility and Usability Parameters. Various other global best practices were referred to address infrastructural gaps and foster truly inclusive sporting environments.

The launch of the handbook was a major highlight of Accessibility Awareness Fortnight 3.0, held between March 12 and 27. The fortnight featured multiple initiatives across sectors. Among them were campus engagements at SRCC and Hansraj College, where Svayam launched its sensitization drive on March 18. Students and faculty participated in speech contests, street plays, and a human chain activity centred on the theme ‘Accessibility is a Human Right’. The campaign was designed to spark long-term awareness in educational spaces and was the first step in a larger nationwide outreach.

Other milestones included a national seminar held with ICMR, accessibility support during the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, and implementation of inclusive systems at the Para Games.

Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, said, ” We are delighted to launch the Accessible Sports Handbook at the Khelo India Para Games, a celebration of ability, determination, and inclusive progress. This handbook is our contribution to building a sporting ecosystem where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a foundation. We are delighted to launch the Accessible Sports Handbook at the Khelo India Para Games, a celebration of ability, determination, and inclusion. This handbook sets the foundation for a truly accessible sporting ecosystem.

Change happens when small adjustments are essential, not optional. At Svayam, we listen, learn, and act guided by those who navigate barriers. This handbook isn’t just a guide; it’s a commitment to accessibility empowering excellence.”

Smt. Raksha Nikhil Kadse said “A platform like the Khelo India Para Games allows athletes from all over the country to compete at the National level and forms a base for identifying athletes who can represent India at international competitions such as the Paralympics”

The day concluded with clarity; access cannot wait, and intent must translate into action. With this initiative, Svayam continues to push accessibility beyond tokenism, towards lasting change.

About Svayam: 

Svayam is a leading accessibility organization that aims to reform infrastructure and transportation to make it accessible for people with reduced mobility. Accessibility aids individuals and gives them the freedom to independently explore the built environment around them, irrespective of their physical capabilities. This was on philanthropist-business visionary Sminu Jindal’s mind when she founded Svayam in October 2000. An initiative of the Sminu Jindal Charitable Trust, Svayam is a not-for-profit accessibility pioneer that focuses on creating a barrier-free world for all.