Special Olympics Bharat sends off 49-member contingent to World Winter Games
Special Olympics Bharat organised a grand send-off ceremony for the 49-member Indian contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff members, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, President of Special Olympics Bharat Dr Mallika Nadda, and Executive Director Dr VK Mahendru.
The Indian team will participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, scheduled to take place in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15. The athletes will compete across six sports disciplines: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Floorball, Short-track Speed Skating, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games will bring together 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, competing in eight sports disciplines. The Indian athletes were motivated by the dignitaries, who offered their best wishes and encouraged them to make the nation proud.
Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised the Indian athletes, saying, “Your dedication and passion inspire the nation, proving that true strength lies in the courage to push boundaries.” Dr Mallika Nadda said, “Our athletes are an inspiration to the nation, showcasing the power of determination and sportsmanship.”
The athletes were honoured with garlands and gifted traditional Himachali woollen camps as a symbol of good luck.
