Matribhumi Samachar English
Hyderabad, 4th June 2026: The Chief guest Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, graced the 14th Presentation & Felicitation Ceremony of the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) held at the Infinity Para Sports Academy & Rehabilitation Centre, Begumpet, Hyderabad, and felicitated outstanding para-athletes for their achievements at national and international competitions.
The event brought together para-athletes, beneficiaries, philanthropists, government representatives, supporters, and members of the community to celebrate excellence in para-sports and reaffirm the collective commitment towards empowering persons with disabilities through sports and rehabilitation.
The dignitaries on the dais included Shri K. E. Shyam Kumar, MLA, Pattikonda (Andhra Pradesh); Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, HMDA; Ms. Anjana Sinha, IPS (Retd.), Former Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh and Trustee, Aditya Mehta Foundation; Dr. A. Sonibala Devi, IFS; Ms. Lakshmi Manchu, Philanthropist and Mentor to Aditya Mehta Foundation; and Ms. Shilpa Reddy, Philanthropist, Fashion Designer and Trustee, Aditya Mehta Foundation.
A key highlight of the event was the Foundation extending support worth ₹3.46 Crore to para-athletes across India. Of this, ₹1.78 Crore was provided towards participation in national and international competitions, including support to the Indian Para Cycling Team, Indian Para Shooting Team, and other promising para-athletes preparing for major international events.
In addition, adaptive sports equipment, customized prosthetic limbs, bicycles, hand cycles, training aids, and other assistive devices valued at ₹1.68 Crore were distributed to para-athletes from various states, enabling them to pursue high-performance training and competitive excellence.
The Foundation also felicitated a distinguished group of para-athletes for their exceptional contributions and achievements in international para-sports. Among those honoured were Arshad Shaik, India’s first male para-cyclist to represent the nation at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024; Lisha Das and Vishva Vasani for their outstanding achievements in para-cycling; H. U. Shivani and Jyoti for their accomplishments in para-athletics; and Prashant for his achievements in hand cycling at the international level.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla lauded the efforts of the Aditya Mehta Foundation in creating opportunities for persons with disabilities and emphasized the importance of inclusive infrastructure, quality training, rehabilitation services, and equal opportunities for all. He also appreciated the Foundation’s continued efforts in nurturing para-athletes and supporting their participation in national and international competitions. Speaking on the occasion, he said, These athletes are exceptionally talented, and their potential has been further honed by the Aditya Mehta Foundation. The Foundation has identified raw talent and trained these individuals into international-level athletes. They are a pride to the nation and have brought honour to the country through their outstanding performances. Our Prime Minister takes a special interest in the progress of our athletes and constantly encourages them to excel. Such encouragement from the Prime Minister inspires them to go beyond their limits and bring glory to the nation. In consultation with the Chief Minister, we will ensure support for these athletes. I request the Aditya Mehta Foundation to share a proposal; I will recommend it to the Chief Minister and the Central Government so that these athletes can focus on excelling in their respective sports. I also appreciate the companies that come forward to support sportspersons through their CSR funds.
Shri Jayesh Ranjan said, AMF’s work is commendable, and awareness of its excellent initiatives is spreading, with para-athletes from across the country coming here for training. This year is particularly significant as we have two major international events, the Asian Games in Japan and the Commonwealth Games in Ireland, and our expectations from our athletes are high. Let us encourage our para-athletes to give their best at these tournaments. We are also in discussions with AMF about establishing a modern para-sports academy at the 200-acre sports campus in Hakimpet.
Ms. Anjana Sinha said, I came to know Aditya Mehta during my tenure in the CISF, when he was extending free support to CAPF personnel injured in the line of duty. Witnessing his dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities left me with deep admiration and inspired me to continue supporting the Aditya Mehta Foundation. Today, the Foundation takes pride in having nurtured many athletes who have earned international recognition and accolades. Aditya and his team have worked tirelessly to empower every athlete associated with the Foundation to excel and emerge as world-class para-sportspersons. I request the Hon’ble Governor, the Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, and the Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana to extend their support to this Foundation and help turn its vision into reality.
Ms. Lakshmi Manchu said, I have witnessed the journey of many of the para-athletes here from the very beginning, and I deeply commend their dedication and commitment; their achievements continue to inspire us all. Aditya Mehta has personally guided and supported each of them, helping shape them into the remarkable athletes they are today.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Shilpa Reddy, followed by the National Anthem. Speaking on the occasion, she said, What began as a small initiative has grown into a powerful movement that has empowered ten thousand athletes.
The Aditya Mehta Foundation expressed its gratitude to its valued supporters and partners whose continued contribution makes these initiatives possible, including Alcon, Invesco, Flutter Entertainment India, NTT Data Business Solutions, and GMMCO.
About Aditya Mehta Foundation
Aditya Mehta Foundation is a Hyderabad-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities through sports, rehabilitation, healthcare, education, skill development, and livelihood initiatives. Through its programmes and partnerships, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for thousands of individuals to lead independent, dignified, and successful lives.
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