Para-athletes struggle amid lack of support and facilities

RUDRAPUR: With the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games kicking off, the struggles of aspiring para-athletes in Uttarakhand are in focus, particularly lack of facilities at Rudrapur's Manoj Sarkar stadium.
Despite being named after a local para-shuttler who won a bronze medal in Tokyo Paralympics and inspired many para-athletes, the stadium lacks dedicated coaches and hostel facilities for disabled players.
This has forced athletes to relocate to other cities. Manoj Sarkar trains in Lucknow, while another para-athlete, Ravi Pal, has moved to Delhi. "Despite winning medals for the country, we do not receive necessary support and facilities," said Pal.
"The situation has driven many players to either leave the sport or move to other states where better resources are available," he added.
Satyaprakash, a para-athlete, stressed the need for coaches and proper training facilities in sports hostels and said, "The most critical need is appointment of a coach. No player can progress without one."
Prema Vishwas, another para-athlete, pointed out lack of respect and permanent job opportunities, saying, "We compete for the country abroad, but do not receive the same recognition as other players."
Para-athletes in the state are calling for inclusion in schemes like CM Udyman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana, which provides incentives and support to players.
Meanwhile, Girish Kumar, deputy district sports officer, said stadium facilities are being upgraded to address these concerns.
"We understand the challenges they face, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure these issues are resolved promptly. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment that meets needs of all athletes, including those with disabilities," said Kumar.
Rudrapur: With the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games kicking off, the struggles of aspiring para-athletes in Uttarakhand are in focus, particularly lack of facilities at Rudrapur's Manoj Sarkar stadium.
Despite being named after a local para-shuttler who won a bronze medal in Tokyo Paralympics and inspired many para-athletes, the stadium lacks dedicated coaches and hostel facilities for disabled players.
This has forced athletes to relocate to other cities. Manoj Sarkar trains in Lucknow, while another para-athlete, Ravi Pal, has moved to Delhi. "Despite winning medals for the country, we do not receive necessary support and facilities," said Pal.
"The situation has driven many players to either leave the sport or move to other states where better resources are available," he added.
Satyaprakash, a para-athlete, stressed the need for coaches and proper training facilities in sports hostels and said, "The most critical need is appointment of a coach. No player can progress without one."
Prema Vishwas, another para-athlete, pointed out lack of respect and permanent job opportunities, saying, "We compete for the country abroad, but do not receive the same recognition as other players."
Para-athletes in the state are calling for inclusion in schemes like CM Udyman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana, which provides incentives and support to players.
Meanwhile, Girish Kumar, deputy district sports officer, said stadium facilities are being upgraded to address these concerns.
"We understand the challenges they face, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure these issues are resolved promptly. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment that meets needs of all athletes, including those with disabilities," said Kumar.