Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla honours special Olympics athletes of Himachal Pradesh

Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting Special Olympics athletes to ensure their holistic development. Addressing a felicitation ceremony organized by ‘Special Olympics Bharat’, Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said that both the society and the government must come forward to extend help and encouragement to these exceptional sportspersons. “Let us give them our care and support, and help them rise,” he stated.

The function was held in honour of athletes and coaches who represented India at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany, and the upcoming World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy. A total of 49 members represented India in Turin, including 30 athletes and 19 support staff, of which 15 athletes hailed from Himachal Pradesh.

The Governor said that the event was not merely a celebration of medals, but a tribute to the courage, determination, and spirit of the athletes. “These athletes have shown that with hard work and confidence, no challenge is insurmountable. 

Their achievements have not only brought pride but also sent a positive and inspirational message to society,” he said. He extended special congratulations to the coaches whose patience, dedication, and belief were instrumental in preparing the athletes for global competition.

He highlighted that India won 33 medals in these games, showcasing the fact that when if talent is provided opportunities, the impossible becomes possible. Praising the achievements of the athletes and the role of NHPC Sports Centre in nurturing 15 athletes and eight coaches from Himachal Pradesh, the Governor underlined the significance of such institutions in strengthening the sports ecosystem.

Shukla also lauded Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat and the Asia Pacific Advisory Council, Dr. Mallika Nadda for her pioneering role in initiating the Special Olympics movement from Bilaspur in 2002. He acknowledged the milestone of 23 years of Special Olympics Himachal Pradesh and appreciated the successful hosting of the first-ever National Winter Games in Shimla and Narkanda in 2008 under her leadership.

“These Special athletes deserve the same respect and recognition as any other sportsperson. Today’s ceremony is a significant step in that direction. Every athlete here carries a story of struggle, determination, and family support,” the Governor remarked.Earlier, the Governor felicitated the winning athletes and their coaches.

Dr. Mallika Nadda welcomed the Governor and stated that the success of the athletes in the Special Olympics was a matter of National pride. She stated that nearly five percent of the Indian population was differently-abled with around one percent facing intellectual disabilities. 

She expressed happiness that out of the 30 Indian athletes participating in the Turin Games, 15 were from Himachal Pradesh. She shared that with NHPC’s support, nine sports centres have been developed in the state to train special children, and a total of 72 such centres exist across the country. 

She also thanked the Central Government for increasing the incentive amount for medal winners from rupees five lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.Parikshat Mehdudiya, Regional Director, Special Olympics Bharat – Himachal Pradesh, shared detailed information about the achievements of the athletes and the journey of the Special Olympics movement in the state.

Shri Mukesh Shukla, President of Special Olympics Bharat – Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Latika Sharma, President of the Haryana unit, Dr. Sadhana Thakur, Special Athlete Bharti and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.