In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Training Centre for Disability Sports in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This cutting-edge sports facility, bearing the name of the esteemed former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marks a transformative initiative aimed at fostering sports inclusivity, nurturing talent, and fostering active participation in diverse sporting disciplines for individuals with disabilities across the nation.
The Atal Bihari Training Centre for Disability Sports stands as a beacon of opportunity and empowerment for athletes with disabilities. It boasts world-class infrastructure and a dedicated coaching team, creating an optimal environment for the development and training of differently-abled sports enthusiasts.
Established as an autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, this center operates as a registered society under the M.P Societies Registration Act, 1973 (dated September 22, 2021). Governed by a diligent Executive Committee and a supervising Governing Body, the center is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of disability sports in India.
The objectives of the Atal Bihari Training Centre for Disability Sports include the establishment of a world-class international-level Center of Excellence for para-sportspersons (Persons with Disabilities) with full accessibility compliance. This endeavor aims to create specialized sports infrastructure to facilitate rigorous and tailored training, ensuring that Divyang sportspersons have access to cutting-edge facilities on par with global standards. Additionally, the center aspires to promote greater participation of Divyangjan in sports, both nationally and internationally, while fostering confidence and a sense of belonging among them to facilitate their seamless integration into society.
The government has allocated a budget of 151.16 crores for the development of this expansive 34-acre facility, reflecting its unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive sports excellence.