Sports Ministry extends support to largest contingent of Indian Special Olympics team competing in World Winter Games; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to attend send off ceremony on Wednesday

by Kheltoday · March 4, 2025

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Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. (File Photo)

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will attend the official send-off ceremony of the 49-member Indian team which will be competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held in Turin, Italy, from March 7 to 17, 2025.

The Indian team comprises of 30 athletes, three officials and 16 support staff, including coaches. The special athletes will be competing in six disciplines – Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Floorball, Short Speed Skating, Snow Boarding, Snow Shoeing.

Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Sports Ministry has laid strong emphasis on supporting specially-abled athletes. In this connection, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) provided 11 national coaching camps for these athletes in various Indian cities – Chandigarh, Narkanda, New Delhi, Gwalior, Noida and Gurgaon – to help them prepare well for the World Winter Games.

Additionally, SAI provided equipment support for training and competition. The Sports Ministry also sanctioned money towards airfare, boarding and lodging for the participation of Indian contingent in World Winter Games.

The 12th edition of the Special Olympics World Winter Games will feature 8 disciplines and are expected to draw over 1,500 athletes, 621 coaches and 1,00,000 spectators from 102 countries.

Additional special programs including the Special Olympics Global Youth Leadership Summit, Healthy Athletes Screenings, and the Motor Activity Training Program will also be organised for athletes, families and spectators at the 2025 Winter Games.

India’s participation in the World Winter Games has a rich history, with past performances resulting in an impressive medal tally. India has earned a total of 167 medals over the years in Winter Games, including 73 gold, 49 silver and 45 bronze medals across various disciplines.

Dr. Mallika Nadda.

Wishing the athletes the best, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat said, “I would like to extend my best wishes to athletes who will represent India at the Special Olympics Winter Games. Their hard work and dedication inspire us all, and we look forward to witnessing their spirited performances in Turin. We are extremely excited to watch our athletes in action and are sure that they will make the country proud yet again on the global stage.”