Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today honoured the athletes and coaches from Himachal Pradesh who represented India at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 in Berlin, and those set to participate in the upcoming Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy. The felicitation ceremony was organized by Special Olympics Bharat – Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasized the importance of supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities, stating, “These champions deserve not just applause, but equal opportunity and dignity. Their achievements are a beacon of hope and strength.” He added that both government and society must step forward to ensure their holistic development.
Of the 49-member Indian contingent for the Turin Games, 15 athletes are from Himachal Pradesh. Acknowledging their remarkable achievements, Governor Shukla lauded their spirit and perseverance, describing the event as a celebration of courage, not just medals. He also praised the coaches whose dedication played a key role in the athletes’ success.
Highlighting India’s 33-medal haul at the Special Olympics, the Governor noted that when given the right support, extraordinary results follow. He commended NHPC’s role in nurturing talent by developing nine sports centres in Himachal and supporting 15 athletes and eight coaches.
The Governor also applauded Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat and Asia Pacific Advisory Council, for initiating the movement from Bilaspur in 2002 and leading it for over two decades. He acknowledged her pivotal role in organizing the first National Winter Games in Shimla and Narkanda in 2008.
Earlier, the Governor felicitated the athletes and coaches for their exemplary performance. Dr. Mallika Nadda, in her address, highlighted that 15 of the 30 Indian athletes selected for Turin are from Himachal, a testament to the state’s inclusive sports ecosystem. She thanked the Central Government for increasing incentives for medal winners from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh and noted the growth of 72 special sports centres across India.
Regional Director Parikshat Mehdudiya detailed the journey of Special Olympics Bharat in Himachal, while dignitaries including Mukesh Shukla (UP), Latika Sharma (Haryana), Dr. Sadhana Thakur, and athlete Bharti also attended the event.
The ceremony marked a significant step in honouring the talent and determination of Special Olympics athletes, reinforcing Himachal’s commitment to inclusive sports excellence.
