Svayam rejoins forces with Sports Authority of India for the second time as accessibility partner for the second Khelo India Para Games 2025

 Rakesh Thapliyal

 New Delhi: Leading Accessibility organization Svayam rejoined hands with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the second time, as the Official Accessibility Partner for the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025, organized under the Sports Ministry. As the only national-level grassroots competition for para-athletes, this partnership reinforces SAI’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in sports and Svayam’s determination in making sporting events more accessible for all. Attending the launch ceremony of the Khelo India Para Games 2025 today at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi,Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam launched the official logo of the Khelo India Para Games along with Mr. Devendra Jhajharia, President, PCI.Also, present at the launch ceremony were Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya as Chief Guest along with Smt. Raksha Khadse, Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports.

Speaking aboutSvayam’s contribution to the Khelo India Para Games, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, said, “True inclusion happens when accessibility becomes standard practice, not an added feature. Our continued association with Khelo India Para Games reinforces our dedication to creating spaces where para-athletes can focus on excellence without unnecessary struggles. Thoughtful mobility solutions, trained personnel, and well-equipped venues contribute to an environment where every player can compete without constraints.”

As the exclusive national-level grassroots competition for para-athletes, the Khelo India Para Games is committed to providing a platform where every competitor, irrespective of physical challenges, has equal opportunities to shine. Svayam’s role as the accessibility partner is integral to making this event more inclusive. The organization is set to conduct in-depth accessibility audits of the venues, including stadiums, hotels, hostels, and parking facilities, ensuring they meet the highest standards for barrier-free access.

One of the key highlights of this collaboration have been Svayam’s sensitization workshops, which trained volunteers and event personnel to provide the best support for participants. Over 500 volunteers and Khelo India officials participated in the specialized training wherein Svayam equipped them with the skills and awareness necessary to foster a respectful, inclusive environment for the para-athletes, focusing on educating support teams about accessibility needs, communication practices, and how to assist para-athletes during the competition.

Praising the efforts of Svayam, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, “I applaud Svayam for the continuous support to Khelo India Para Games as the Accessibility Partner. They have taken great care to ensure that technical inputs are included at Games venues to make them totally accessible for our athletes.”

Svayam will furthermore be implementing a comprehensive transport and mobility system, which includes a fleet of specially designed buses and minivans to ensure smooth and dignified travel for over 1,200 athletes, coaches, and officials. These vehicles will be available for transfers between airports, railway stations, and competition venues, ensuring hassle-free commutes for everyone involved. Svayam will also provide 15 wheelchairs for the 10-day event, ensuring that all participants have the mobility support they need.

Speaking at the event Shri. Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India said, “We would like to extend a warm welcome to Sminu Jindal for her presence today and thank Svayam for their continued partnership with the Khelo India Para Games and giving us a lot of technical knowledge regarding accessible environments for the conduct of the Games.”

With an extensive history of advancing accessibility in sports, Svayam has collaborated with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) during major events, including the Tokyo Paralympics 2021 and Paris Paralympics 2024. The organization has also contributed to the 5th Indian Open Para-Athletic International Championship & Regional Sports Training (2023) in Bengaluru and partnered with the Disability Cricket Council of India (DCCI) since 2020. Svayam played a key role in the first Khelo India Para Games (2023) and continues to advocate for meaningful changes in sports infrastructure. By embedding accessibility into the fabric of major tournaments, Svayam champions athletes who are defined by their skill, not by challenges to participation.

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.