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In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering differently-abled athletes, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with the SBI Foundation to launch the Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Program. Formally unveiled on August 14, 2025, the program will support 100 para-athletes across India with a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000 each, along with access to scientific training and performance analytics. The initiative marks a significant step toward building an inclusive and high-performance sports ecosystem in the country.
Key Highlights from the Launch
- Each selected para-athlete will receive Rs 40,000 per month to support training, nutrition, equipment, and travel
- A total of 100 athletes will be covered under the program in its first phase
- Scientific training and performance monitoring will be provided by Acrophase, IIT Madras’s Center of Excellence for Human Performance
- The program was launched in the presence of Sanjay Prakash, MD and CEO of SBI Foundation, and senior faculty from IIT Madras
- The initiative aims to build a strong pipeline for international events including the Paralympics
Program Objectives and Strategic Vision
The Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Program is designed to address the financial and technical barriers faced by differently-abled athletes in India. By combining monetary support with advanced training methodologies, the program seeks to:
- Enable para-athletes to pursue national and international sporting excellence
- Provide access to data-driven coaching and biomechanical analysis
- Foster inclusivity and equal opportunity in Indian sports
- Create a sustainable framework for long-term athlete development
Role of Acrophase and IIT Madras
Acrophase, the Center of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras, will play a pivotal role in delivering scientific support to the athletes. Led by Professor Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, the center will offer:
- Customized training plans based on physiological and biomechanical assessments
- Access to wearable tech and motion capture systems for performance tracking
- Mentorship from sports scientists and rehabilitation experts
- Integration of AI-based analytics to optimize training outcomes
SBI Foundation’s Commitment to Inclusive Sports
The SBI Foundation, through its flagship SBIF PASS (Para Athletes Sports Scholarship), has reiterated its commitment to nurturing talent across all segments of society. Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Prakash emphasized the importance of recognizing the resilience and potential of para-athletes and providing them with the resources to succeed.
- The foundation has previously supported initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development
- SBIF PASS is its first large-scale sports scholarship program focused exclusively on differently-abled athletes
- The program aligns with the foundation’s broader mission of inclusive growth and national pride
Eligibility and Selection Process
The scholarship is open to para-athletes across India who demonstrate potential in competitive sports. Selection will be based on:
- Sporting achievements at state, national, or international levels
- Endorsement from recognized sports federations or training academies
- Medical certification of disability status
- Commitment to training and participation in upcoming events
Impact and Future Roadmap
The Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Program is expected to catalyze a new era of support for differently-abled athletes in India. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, IIT Madras and SBI Foundation aim to:
- Increase India’s representation in global para-sporting events
- Encourage more institutions to invest in inclusive sports infrastructure
- Inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence regardless of physical limitations
Sources: Indian Express, Sakshi Education, ScholarshipStatusCheck.com.
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