ROHTAK: The Sports Complex of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) on Tuesday became a vibrant symbol of inclusion and empowerment with the grand inauguration of the Special Olympics Bharat National Championship Athletics, formally inaugurated by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini. Nearly 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 27 states are participating in the prestigious event.Addressing the gathering, the CM said that hosting Special Olympics Bharat at the historic MDU is a matter of pride not only for Haryana but for the entire country. This championship is not merely about winning medals. It is a celebration of the indomitable human spirit, self-belief and limitless potential, he said.CM Saini emphasised that Special Olympics sends a powerful message to society that talent is not limited by physical or intellectual challenges. Such platforms build sensitivity, inclusivity and a positive social mindset. Through sports, these athletes are achieving physical, mental, social and emotional empowerment, he added, describing Special Olympics as a global movement that provides dignity, opportunity and self-reliance to persons with intellectual disabilities.Praising Dr Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, the CM said her leadership has taken the movement to new heights and inspired millions of athletes across the nation. Referring to India’s recent success at the Special Olympics in Italy, where Indian athletes won 33 medals, he said the achievement has enhanced India’s stature on the global sports map.Calling Haryana a “powerhouse of sports,” the CM reiterated the state government’s strong commitment to nurturing sporting talent. He announced financial assistance of Rs 31 lakh from the CM’s side and Rs 21 lakh from the sports Minister for the championship. He said that over the last 11 years, the Haryana government has spent Rs 979 crore on sports infrastructure and incentives, while Rs 683 crore has been awarded to 16,418 medal-winning athletes. Our objective is to empower persons with disabilities not as beneficiaries, but as leaders of society, he asserted.The Chief Minister formally declared the competition open and flagged off the 50-metre race, marking the official commencement of the championship.In her address, Dr. Mallika Nadda said Haryana is not only the land of brave warriors but also of athletes and a strong sporting culture. She urged the state government to establish a state-of-the-art dedicated stadium for persons with disabilities and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for special budgetary provisions for their welfare. She said Special Olympics Bharat continues to work towards integrating persons with disabilities into the mainstream with dignity and equal opportunities, adding that their role will be vital in building a Viksit Bharat.Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam congratulated the Special Olympics Bharat team and informed that Daulatabad Stadium in Gurugram is being developed as a model centre for athletes with disabilities. He highlighted ongoing initiatives under Mission Olympic 2036 and Vijayi Olympic Yojana, stating that increased sports budgets by the central government are aimed at making Indian athletes globally competitive.Welcoming the dignitaries, MDU vice-chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh said state has witnessed unprecedented growth in sports under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He termed the laying of the foundation stone of a Girls’ Sports Hostel at MDU by the CM as a historic step towards encouraging women athletes.The event was attended by sports minister Gaurav Gautam, BJP National secretary Om Prakash Dhankar, state president Mohan Lal Badoli, MDU VC Prof. Rajbir Singh, former minister Manish Grover, and others.
