India Pursues Bid for 2029 World Abilitysport Games with New Partnership
Strategic Collaboration for 2029 Games
In a significant move to enhance India's role in the global Paralympic arena, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to jointly advance India's bid to host the 2029 World Abilitysport Games, as detailed in a recent press release. The MoU signifies a strategic alliance between the two organizations to prepare and submit a competitive proposal for this prestigious international multi-sport event dedicated to athletes with disabilities.
Overview of the Global Event
The anticipated 2029 World Abilitysport Games are projected to attract over 1,500 participants, including athletes, team officials, technical delegates, classifiers, and support staff from various nations. The event is set to showcase a range of sports, including Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Para Badminton, Para Fencing, CP Football, Para Table Tennis, and Para Wheelchair Basketball (3-a-side), all aimed at promoting excellence in sports while fostering inclusion and accessibility.
Selection Process for Host City
Chennai and Bhubaneshwar are currently being evaluated as potential host cities for the Games. The bid process will involve discussions with the respective State Governments to review factors such as sports infrastructure, accessibility, accommodation, transportation, government support, and overall readiness for the event before a final recommendation is made to World Abilitysport.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Hosting the World Abilitysport Games would significantly enhance India's reputation as a venue for international sporting events. It would also create a lasting legacy through improved sports infrastructure, better accessibility, capacity building, volunteer training, technical skills development, sports tourism, and increased engagement in disability sports. This event would serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes with disabilities and reaffirm India's commitment to inclusivity in sports.
India previously hosted the IWAS World Games in Bengaluru in 2009. The bid for the 2029 World Abilitysport Games presents a chance to once again welcome the international Para sports community and further solidify the country's role in the global Paralympic movement.
Voices from Leadership on the Initiative
Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, emphasized that hosting the 2029 World Abilitysport Games would mark a pivotal moment for India's expanding Paralympic movement. He stated, "This event will provide our athletes with the opportunity to compete on home soil while demonstrating our capability to host a world-class Para multi-sport event. We are eager to collaborate with CPSFI and all stakeholders to present a robust bid that embodies India's vision of excellence and inclusivity in sports."
Rajesh Tomar, President of the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India, remarked, "The signing of this MoU signifies the start of an exciting journey to bring the World Abilitysport Games back to India after two decades. This partnership is not just about hosting a sporting event; it aims to create a lasting legacy for Para sports in India. Our goal is to enhance accessibility, build technical skills, develop sports infrastructure, and inspire countless individuals with disabilities to pursue sports as a means of achieving excellence. Together with PCI and our government partners, we are dedicated to crafting a world-class bid that reflects India's growing leadership in the global Paralympic movement."
A Unified Approach Ahead
The MoU's signing initiates a collaborative effort involving the Government of India, potential host State Governments, World Abilitysport, and other essential stakeholders to formulate a strong and competitive bid for the 2029 World Abilitysport Games.