Matribhumi Samachar English
Felicitated this year’s National and International medalists trained under Aditya Mehta Foundation
Hyderabad, 12th December 2024: The Aditya Mehta Foundation’s Infinity Para Sports Academy in Begumpet, witnessed a momentous occasion today as Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, formally inaugurated its newly revamped high-performance Academy. The prestigious event was marked by the felicitation of para-athletes who recently brought glory to the nation by winning medals at National & international level. Ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Guests of Honour Ms Sadhana Rashmi, IPS, DCP, North Zone; Ms. Vanitha Datla, Trustee of Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) and Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, Elico Ltd.; Shri Madhukar Naik D, CEO, Secunderabad Cantonment Board; and Shri T. Gopalkrishna, Deputy Commissioner and Region Head, JNV South. The Infinity Para Sports Academy stands as a beacon of excellence and inclusivity, offering world-class facilities and training programs designed to empower para-athletes to excel on the global stage.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, said, I am truly honoured to stand before this extraordinary gathering—a testament to talent, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Today, we celebrate a triumph of willpower over adversity, proving that disability is not an obstacle to success but a stepping stone to greatness. Despite facing challenges that might deter others, these remarkable athletes have defied the odds, training relentlessly and achieving extraordinary milestones. Their journey is an inspiring reminder that with determination and support, the impossible becomes possible. I am profoundly impressed by the outstanding infrastructure and the heartfelt work being done by the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF). The facilities here are truly world-class, reflecting AMF’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and empowering athletes from across India. What makes this foundation even more remarkable is its inclusiveness, creating an environment where individuals from all walks of life can thrive and shine. AMF is not just a platform; it is a beacon of hope and an incubator of dreams, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
Shri Madhukar Naik D, said, we feel very proud to have the first para sports academy in Hyderabad, especially in Cantonment. This institute offers a great opportunity for the children with special needs to showcase their talent, they get enormous encouragement, training and handholding.
The Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) remains unwavering in its mission to propel para-athletes toward glory at the Paralympics 2028. Serving as a cornerstone of this vision, the revamped High-Performance Para-Sports Academy is equipped with cutting-edge resources and world-class training programs, enabling athletes to shine on the global stage, says Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation & Paracycling Coach for Indian Paracycling Team.
Ms. Vanitha Datla said, The AMF is a non-profit charitable trust and the first of its kind in Asia, which is dedicated to pursue sports, earn dignity and achieve excellence. Over the years we have counselled, screened and trained more than eight thousand individuals, transforming grass root talent into international champions with over 300 international medals to our name. We are very proud to collaborate with institutions like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas and the Central Armed Police forces. Introducing para sports, providing customized training and equipment to these aspiring athletes, our ultimate vision is to bring glory to India at the Para-Olympics 2028 and the Youth Asian Games. Aditya Mehta from his two Asian medals, has inspired and guided countless para-athletes, converting a personal triumph of two international medals into a movement that produced more than 300 international medals and globally celebrated para-athletes through this Foundation.
The newly refurbished high-performance Para-Sports Academy is a game-changer in the journey of para-athletes towards global excellence. Boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure, the academy provides cutting-edge training and rehabilitation facilities designed to meet the unique needs of para-athletes, empowering them to break barriers and redefine limits. The specialized equipment at the Academy ensures tailored support for every athlete’s requirement. Supported by a team of world-class coaches and physiotherapists, the facility offers personalized guidance and care, enabling para-athletes to unlock their full potential and perform at their peak on the global stage.
The academy’s unique features set a new benchmark in para-sports development, reflecting AMF’s deep commitment to empowering para-athletes,” says Aditya Mehta, the visionary behind the foundation. By fostering excellence and inclusivity, AMF is paving the way for para-athletes to achieve unparalleled success and inspire future generations, says Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation & Paracycling Coach for Indian Paracycling Team.
Shri Jishnu Dev Varma felicitated para-athletes who brought laurels to the nation at the World Ability Games held in Thailand recently and the other international and national para-athletes who made India proud. The athletes who were felicitated were
- Para-cyclistArshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya who represented India at the Paralympics.
- Hand-cyclistsPrashant Arkal from Maharashtra represented India at UCI Paracycling Road World Cup I – Australia; UCI Paracycling Road World Cup II – Belgium and UCI Paracycling Road World Cup III – Italy Belgium and Italy. He won a Silver Medal at Mens Handcycling event at Asian Paracycling Road Event at Kazakistan.
- Hand-cyclistYogesh Ahire from Maharashtra won bronze medal at Kazakistan Road Asian Championships Paracycling event.
- Aryavardan Cheelampalli from Telangana won 2 silver medals in Asian cycling championship Delhi 2024.
- Pawan Kanoji from Andhra Pradesh won 2 Bronze medals at Asian Championships Track 2024 at Delhi.
The young athletes from the Centre of Excellence, JNV Rangareddy (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti), trained at AMF’s Parasports Academy, and won a rich haul of 16 medals including 5 Gold, 8 Silver and 3 Bronze, at the recent World Ability Games 2024. They were felicitated on the occasion
- Prathmesh (16) from Maharashtra won 2 Silver Medals in Powerlifting
- Devendra (14) from Telangana won 2 Gold Medals in Shot Put and Discus Throw and 1 Silver Medal in Sprinting
- Jyoti (16) from Haryana won a Gold Medal in Javelin Throw and 2 Silver Medals in Discus Throw and Shot Put.
- Shivani (16) from Andhra Pradesh won a Gold Medal in Shot Put.
- Satish (14) from Andhra Pradesh won 2 Silver Medals in Shot Put and Discus Throw
- Pritam (15) from Haryana won a Silver Medal in Shot Put and a Bronze Medal in Javelin Throw.
- Janu (16) from Uttar Pradesh won 2 Bronze Medals in Shot Put and Javelin Throw.
- Lakshmikant (16) from Karnataka won a Gold Medal in Triple Jump.
These remarkable achievements showcase the unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and world-class training of these young stars. They have not only redefined limits but also inspired an entire generation. Their victories highlight the vital role of initiatives like AMF in nurturing talent and breaking barriers in sports. These talented children were identified through a grassroots Talent Identification Camp organized at Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, says Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation & Paracycling Coach for Indian Paracycling Team.
About Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF)
“Our vision is to make India a superpower in the world of para sports.” Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) is a charitable trust which aids people with disabilities to pursue sporting career while also providing them self-sustenance. The Foundation, which started in 2013, has grown by leaps and bounds in the short span of time. Based in Hyderabad, the foundation has managed to span out to virtually every corner of the nation and have contributed in creating para champions who have been winning medals for India. It represents a unique cause and seeks to help a neglected part of a fairly large population.
Featured Article
