Jammu: MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana, today flagged off a contingent of Special Olympics Athletes under the aegis of Special Olympics Bharat – J&K Union Territory, who have been selected to represent J&K at the Special Olympics Bharat National Athletics Championship.
The athletes secured their selection through outstanding performances at the State Games 2025 and will now compete at the national-level championship scheduled to be held at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (Haryana), from 2nd to 7th February 2025.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Dr. Ashwani Jojra, Founding President & Area Director, Special Olympics Bharat – J&K UT; Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Director Disabilities, SAHYOG India; Mr. Kunal Gupta, Mrs. Sheetal, Mr. Jagbir Singh, Mr. Sudershan Chib, Mrs. Anuradha, Mr. Sahil Badyal, Mr. Hari Vishwas, Mr. Sharun Badyal, along with officials, coaches, parents, and well-wishers of the athletes.
Addressing the athletes, Devyani Rana described the initiative as a noble mission and a true service to humanity, which brings dignity, hope, and glory to the lives of intellectually challenged individuals and their families. She said she felt blessed to be among these champions, adding that the special athletes of Special Olympics Bharat would bring laurels to the Union Territory and, in the future, represent India at international platforms.
Congratulating the athletes on their remarkable achievement, she applauded their determination, discipline, and resilience, and emphasized that sports play a transformative role in building confidence, self-belief, and social inclusion among persons with intellectual disabilities.
Rana said the athletes are a source of inspiration and pride for the entire Union Territory, and noted that their success reflects the collective efforts of families, coaches, and organizations such as Special Olympics Bharat. She called upon society to extend greater encouragement, acceptance, and support to such initiatives. Wishing the contingent success, she expressed hope that they would return with laurels for J&K.
On the occasion, Dr. Ashwani Jojra and Pooja Malhotra expressed heartfelt gratitude to MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana for her continuous support and encouragement. They highlighted that these special athletes qualified during the State Games 2025 held at Nagrota and subsequent trials conducted at Jammu University, leading to their selection for the National Athletics Championship in Haryana.
