The West Zone Regional Abilympics, orchestrated by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), concluded with fervour, witnessing the participation of over 250 persons with disabilities (PwDs) hailing from diverse cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra; Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Botad in Gujarat; and Panaji, Goa. NAAI has commenced the next cycle of selections for the 11th International Abilympics (2027), to be held in Finland. Participants at the regional level competed in 15 skill categories across ICT, Crafts, Food, and Services. A total of 27 outstanding participants, who excelled in different skills, were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
The Abilympics are specially designed to identify the best talent among the PwD community for participation in national and international competitions at a later stage.
The two-day event was a collaborative effort of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), International Purple Fest (organized by the Office of the Disability Commissioner, Government of Goa), and Sarthak Educational Trust. The competitions were organized on January 11th and 12th on the sidelines of the International Purple Fest – Goa, held at Kala Academy, Panaji.
In the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category, 63 participants competed. The Crafts category featured 113 PwD participants showcasing their prowess. The Hospitality category had 55 skilled individuals, while 27 participants competed in the Services category—each demonstrating remarkable talent.
Gold medalists from the West Zone included:
Akash Kshirsagar for 'Waste Reuse'
Priyanka Dabade for 'Embroidery'
Manoj Gopal Bhingare for 'Painting'
Bhagyashri for 'Dress Making'
Amol Karande for 'Photography - Outdoor'
Bharti Rameshbhai Rana for 'Floral Arrangement'
Priti Diliprad Pohekar for 'Word Processing', among others.
Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat, who was the Chief Guest, shared:
"We must promote greater inclusion in society for all people with disabilities, fostering acceptance, respect, and active participation. Together, let's collaborate to empower them as valuable members of society, ensuring they live with dignity, recognizing their abilities, and providing the support they deserve."
Other dignitaries who felicitated the winners during the awards ceremony held on January 13th, 2024, included:
Shri Rajesh Phaldessai, Hon'ble MLA, Cumbarjua, Goa
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD (GoI)
Shri Rajesh Yadav, Joint Secretary, DEPwD (GoI)
Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Disability Commissioner, Goa
Shri Taha Hazziq, Secretary, Office of the Disability Commissioner, Goa, among others.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General, NAAI and Founder & CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust, shared:
"The Abilympics are not solely about showcasing skills; it's a celebration of resilience, determination, and the incredible abilities that transcend limitations among PwDs. India made history at the 10th International Abilympics in France in March 2023, securing 7 medals with a small 13-member team. The competition featured 428 participants from 27 countries, and India ranked 7th in the overall medals tally."
India now aims to participate with a larger contingent at the 2027 International Abilympics in Finland, continuing to highlight talent, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.
Hosting the West Zone Regional Round at the International Purple Fest 2024 added an extra layer of excitement and a global perspective to the competition.
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) comprise over 5% of the country’s population. It is crucial to provide them with skill development opportunities for employment, self-respect, and independence. The National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), established in May 2001 by the Ministries of Social Justice & Empowerment and Human Resource Development, aims to facilitate India’s participation in international competitions like the Abilympics.
This inclusive event not only highlights the exceptional abilities of PwDs but also serves as a platform for participants to showcase their talents on regional, national, and international stages. The vibrant cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat were well-represented, especially in the Crafts category, showcasing a rich tapestry of skills from the region.
The West Zone Abilympics 2024 truly placed the abilities of individuals at center stage—breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.
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