Special Olympics Bharat Hosts National Futsal Championship in Faridabad
Major Milestone for Special Olympics Bharat
Special Olympics Bharat - Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by organizing the 2026 National Futsal Championship at the Manav Rachna Educational Institutions in Faridabad. This championship is a crucial step in preparing for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2027, which will take place in Santiago, Chile.
Participants and Inclusivity
The championship features 350 athletes from 20 different states, showcasing the growing popularity of futsal as an inclusive sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Support System for the Event
The event is backed by a dedicated team of coaches, officials, volunteers, and technical staff, all working together to maintain high competition standards, ensure athlete safety, and manage the event effectively.
Focus on Athlete Health
As part of the Healthy Athletes Programme, all athletes participated in Special Smiles (oral health) screenings and Fit Feet assessments, emphasizing the organization's commitment to the health and well-being of its athletes.
Youth Engagement and Leadership
During the championship, initiatives for Youth Activation and Athlete Leadership training sessions will be held, reflecting Special Olympics Bharat's dedication to the comprehensive development of athletes and fostering an inclusive society.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The Opening Ceremony took place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Central Lawn of the Manav Rachna Educational Institutions Campus in Faridabad. Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat and Chairperson of the SOAP Advisory Council, presided over the event.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Vipul Goel, Haryana's Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, along with Guest of Honour Amit Bhalla, Vice President of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions and Advisor to Special Olympics Bharat.
Empowering Through Sports
Dr. Mallika Nadda emphasized the transformative power of sports, stating, "Sport has the ability to reveal strength, discipline, and self-belief in ways few platforms can. Championships like this demonstrate how structured competition, combined with care and opportunity, enables persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to perform with pride and confidence on the national stage."
A Platform for Success
Chief Guest Vipul Goel remarked, "Events of this scale highlight how sport can serve as a platform for participation, discipline, and achievement. Bringing national championships to the State reflects an emphasis on accessible sporting environments that recognize ability, resilience, and performance."
The championship was organized under the guidance of Dr. Upasana Arora, President of Special Olympics Bharat - Delhi, with support from the Delhi State Chapter and Manav Rachna Educational Institutions.
Pathways to Global Competition
Leading up to the Futsal Championship, Special Olympics Bharat has successfully conducted 14 National Championships and 20 National Coaching Camps across various disciplines, enhancing athlete pathways, talent identification, and coaching capabilities nationwide.
Institutional Support's Impact
Dr. Amit Bhalla highlighted the importance of institutional support, stating, "Special Olympics Bharat is transforming lives by using sport to build confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose among young people across the country. It reminds us that the power of sport lies in competition that unites, empowers, and inspires positive change."
Upcoming National Athletics Championship
Looking ahead, Special Olympics Bharat will host the National Championship - Athletics at Maharshi Dayanand University from February 7 to 11, 2026, expecting around 600 athletes from across the nation to participate.
This event will serve as a vital platform for assessing performance benchmarks and enhancing competition readiness, forming an integral part of the preparation for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2027.
Special Olympics Bharat extends its gratitude to Manav Rachna Educational Institutions for their exceptional support during the National Futsal Championship and appreciates Dr. Amit Bhalla and his team for their leadership and coordination.