The 13-member strong contingent from India for the 10th International Abilympics – global skills competition for specially-abled persons — made the country and its people proud by winning a record of 7 medals at the event. It was held at Metz town in France from March 23 to 26.
The 7 medals won by India, included one gold, two silver, three bronze and one Excellence award.
Mumbai’s Chetan Pashilkar who has a hearing impairment and represented India in Skill Category of Painting Waste Reuse won the gold medal. The theme of his painting was “Sustainable development using technology”.
Sharing his happiness after winning the gold medal, Pashilkar said: “This medal is not mine, but represents wishes and prayers of 1.41 billion Indians. India has made efforts in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in various fields, including education, employment etc.”
The two silver medals were picked up by Priyanka Dabhade from Pune and Mumbai’s Kashif Khan. Dabhade who is hearing impaired represented India in the Skill Category of Embroidery while Khan got it in the Skill Category of Patisserie and Confectionery.
Mohith Majety from Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada who has locomotor disability and competed in the skill category of Photography won the bronze. His other team mates who won bronze were Avinash KS from Mysore who got it in Jewellery Making category while Mohammad Shamim Alam from Bihar’s Gaya helped India get the third bronze in Tailoring.
Avinash KS is hearing impaired while Alam has locomotor disability.
The Medal of Excellence winner Priyanka Dabhade is from Pune and won the award for her outstanding work, talent and commitment. She received appreciation and applause from the spectators as well as the judges when she completed her task.
It was the best-ever haul at the International Abilympics by India at the competition which aims to create public awareness and nurture the talent of persons of specially-abled persons, and also provide them opportunities to acquire and enhance their vocational skills to become economically independent.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General National Abilympic Association of India and Founder, Sarthak Educational Trust led the Indian contingent. Talking about its performance he said: “This is a stupendous achievement for India and we are very proud of our 13 participants who showcased remarkable skill and perseverance making India shine big at an international platform like International Abilympics Skills Competition.”
He added that the performance reiterates that the specially-abled community has individuals capable of creating positive change in the world and inspiring others to make a difference.
Incidentally, India has also been selected as one of the 8 executive Committee Members of International Abilympics Federation from 37 member nations.
Also read: India’s specially-abled contingent heading to France to make its mark at Abilympics
