The Central Zone Regional Abilympics, orchestrated by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), concluded with fervour, witnessing the participation of approximately 130+ persons with disabilities hailing from diverse cities such as Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Sagar, Jabalpur, Balaghat, from MP and Bilaspur, Raipur, Ambikapur from the State of Chattisgarh. NAAI has started the next cycle for the selections for 11th International Abilympics (2027), to be held in Finland. Participants at the regional level competed in 15 skill categories, under ICT, Crafts, Food and Services. 14 outstanding participants who excelled in different skills, won the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Abilympics are specially designed to identify the best talent amongst the Persons with Disabilities (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 Disability (DEPwD), National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), Tata Power, Jabalpur District Administration and Sarthak Educational Trust. The competitions were organized on February 24th and 25th in Agriculture College, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Jabalpur, MP.
The event was Inaugurated by Mr. Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Minister of Social Justice and Disabled Empowerment. Dr. Pradeep Dubay Presided over the programme which was also attended by patron, Dr. Jitendra Jamadar, MLA Ashok Rohani, Sushil Tiwari, Mayor Jagat bahadur Singh, Chairperson JMC, Rikunj Vij, Collector Shri Deepak Saxena, Association's Office-bearers arrived from Delhi, Deepankar Banerji and Baldeep Singh Maini.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category saw 25+ participants, followed by 35+ PwD's showcasing the artistic skills in the Painting category. Crafts with 70 + PwD participants showcasing their prowess, Hospitality around 20+ skilled individuals and in Services 15+ Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The participation of 130+ selected individuals underscores the enthusiasm and commitment towards making Central Zone Abilympics a grand success.
The Gold Medalists from the Central Zone included Chetanya Makwey for 'Word Processing', Anurag Agarwal for 'Photography', Archana Gupta for 'Floral Arrangement'. The Silver Medalist included Krish Tiwari, Mukundram, Kusum Rajak, Sangeena Bano, Anurag Patel, Archana Vishwakarma. And Bronze Medalists are Abhishek Tiwari, Naman sure, Savita Kewat, Mulchand Sinha, and Sunny Birhade.
Mulchand Sinha, participant and bronze medalist in Waste Reuse, commented "I have come from Dongargarh and I'm unable to walk. I like to make artefacts from Waste materials. Because of that today I have prepared a temple with cardboard and glass pieces. I want this skill of mine to get maximum recognition.
Ruchi, one of the participants spoke about her painting, "I like painting. Two Faces of women have been drawn on the canvas, in which laughing and crying faces are seen. In one, the freedom of women was shown and in the other, the violence and atrocities against them.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General, National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and Founder CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust shared, "Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) constitute over 5% of the country's population. It's crucial to provide them with skill development opportunities for employment, self-respect, and independence. The Abilympics isn't solely about showcasing skills; it's a celebration of resilience, determination, and the incredible abilities that transcend limitations".
India made history at the 10th International Abilympics in France in March 2023, securing 7 medals with a small 13-member team. India now aims to participate in big numbers at the 2027 International Abilympics, Finland, continuing to highlight talent, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.
The National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), was established in May 2001 by the Ministries of Social Justice & Empowerment and Human Resource Development, and the association facilitates India's participation in international competitions like the Abilympics.
