Special Olympics Athletes from Jammu & Kashmir Flagged Off for National Championship
On Sunday, MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana had the honor of flagging off a contingent of Special Olympics athletes from Jammu & Kashmir. These athletes have been selected to represent the Union Territory at the upcoming Special Olympics Bharat National Athletics Championship in Rohtak, Haryana from February 2 to 7.
The selected athletes showcased outstanding performances at the State Games 2025, earning them a spot to compete at the national-level championship to be held at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak.
Among those present at the flag-off ceremony were Dr. Ashwani Jojra, Founding President & Area Director of Special Olympics Bharat – J&K UT, Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Director Disabilities at SAHYOG India, and other dignitaries, officials, coaches, parents, and well-wishers of the athletes.
In her address to the athletes, Devyani Rana commended the initiative as a noble mission and a true service to humanity. She expressed her admiration for the champions and their families, highlighting the dignity, hope, and glory that sports bring to intellectually challenged individuals.
She emphasized the transformative role of sports in building confidence, self-belief, and social inclusion among persons with intellectual disabilities. Rana congratulated the athletes on their remarkable achievement and lauded their determination, discipline, and resilience.
She noted that the success of these athletes reflects the collective efforts of families, coaches, and organizations like Special Olympics Bharat. Rana called for greater encouragement, acceptance, and support from society for such initiatives, wishing the contingent success and expressing hope for their return with laurels for J&K.
Overall, the flag-off ceremony was a celebration of the spirit and dedication of these special athletes, who not only represent their Union Territory but also inspire pride and admiration among the community.
