Celebrating a landmark achievement in Indian sports, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, today felicitated the victorious Special Olympics Bharat football team for defending their title at the Gothia Special Olympics Trophy 2025, held in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister hailed the triumph as a “testament to the collaborative strength of government, corporates, and sports federations” and a shining example of India’s inclusive sporting progress. The event highlighted the Government’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem that supports athletes across all abilities, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India founded on equity, opportunity, and empowerment for all.
Organized as part of the globally renowned Gothia Cup, the Special Olympics Trophy provides a key platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities. India’s team made a historic mark with a 3-1 win over Poland in the final, following last year’s 4-3 victory against Denmark. Their preparation included a national camp at Manav Rachna University, fully backed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the ACTC framework.
Khadse lauded the players’ tenacity and skill, particularly top performers Saheer Muhammed (7 goals), Ankush Kumar (3), and Stalin Kumar (2), noting that the team not only defended their title but also shattered stereotypes and inspired a generation.
She commended the leadership of Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, for steering a unified approach supported by key partners like SKF. “Every win is a national win,” she said, highlighting how this victory demonstrates the impact of strategic initiatives like ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’, which fosters grassroots sports development and inclusivity.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the sports, education, and corporate sectors, underscoring the shared commitment to inclusive athletics. Among them were Dr. Mallika Nadda, Geeta Mandaviya, Mukesh Shukla, V.K. Mahendru, Amit Bhalla, Tanul Singhal, Jyotsna Suri, and coaches and captains of the teams.
In closing, Khadse remarked, “Our champions have done more than win a trophy. They’ve shown us the power of unity, resilience, and the transformative role of sport in nation-building.”
स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर स्कूलों में छात्रों के लिए प्रतियोगिताएं आयोजित
