150 visually impaired players across 19 states will participate in sporting disciplines includingsprints, throws,jumps, chess, and more in accordance with international rules
Nadiad, Ahmedabad 14 December 2024: The 23rd Usha National Athletics Championship for the Blind, India’s largest sporting event dedicated to visually challenged athletes, was inaugurated in Nadiad, Gujarat, today. Organized biennially by the Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA), the championship will have over 150 talented participants competing across various disciplines over the course of the next three days, celebrating the indomitable spirit of these exceptional athletes.
The championshipwas inaugurated by the Shri Vipul Patel, Chairman Amul Daily, Anand, at the Sports Complex in Nadiad. Theevent will provide a platform to visually impaired athletes (T-11 & F-11) and those with low vision (T-12, T-13 & F-12, F-13) aged 19 and above across India to compete inboth men’s and women’s open categories, across a range of disciplines, including sprints, throws, jumps, chess, and more. All events are being conducted in adherence to international standards, setting the stage for a thrilling and competitive atmosphere.
| Games for Nationals in Gujarat
Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, Shot Put (7.26 Kg), Long Jump, |
“Organizing the 23rd Usha National Athletic Championship for the Blind is incredibly important to us (IBSA) and the entire sports community of visually impaired in India,” said Mr. David Absalom, Hony. General Secretary of the Indian Blind Sports Association. “This year’s Championship marks a historic shift – for the first time, the event will feature participation from entire states, rather than just affiliates, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable opportunity for everyone. This is a change we’ve been working towards for years, and I’m excited to finally see it come to fruition.”
Speaking on the occasion, Komal Mehra, Head of Sports Initiatives & Associations at Usha said, “As we mark our third year of partnership with IBSA for the Usha National Athletics Championship for the Blind, it’s heartening to witness the increasing participation of female athletes each year.”
“Athletes like Simran Sharma have shown that, with the right opportunities, visually impaired individuals can achieve remarkable success and inspire the nation. At Usha, it is deeply fulfilling to collaborate with IBSA in nurturing a platform that enables these talented athletes to showcase their skills and access greater opportunities.” She further added.
Usha’s support for the National Athletics Championship for the Blind is part of its broader commitment to promote a diverse range of inclusive sports and initiatives across the country. These include collaborations with organizations like the Mumbai Indians, as well as support for sports such as Ultimate Flying Disc, Football, Golf, and cricket for differently abled athletes. The brand is at the forefront of reviving traditional Indian sports like Mallakhamb, Siat Khnam, Chhinj, Saz-Loung, Dah Fang, Thang-Ta, Turai Kar, Kalaripayattu, Satoliya, Silambam, Yoga, and Gatka – exemplifying its commitment to encouraging inclusivity in sports.
For more information, visit www.usha.com, and follow@USHAPlay on Twitter, @USHA_play on Instagram and USHA Play on Facebook.
