Ashish Sood backed greater opportunities for para athletes as over 150 Divyang swimmers competed at the Delhi State Para Swimming Championship 2026.
New Delhi, October 4, 2026: Delhi Minister Ashish Sood has reaffirmed the Delhi Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for para athletes as more than 150 Divyang swimmers took part in the 4th Delhi State Para Swimming Championship 2026 at Talkatora Stadium on Sunday.
The Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi (DPSA), affiliated with the Paralympic Committee of India, organised the championship at the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex. Swimmers participated in different categories during the state-level competition.
Ashish Sood, who holds portfolios including Home, Power, Urban Development, Education and Sports-related responsibilities, attended the event as Chief Guest. Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Devesh Chandra Srivastava, IPS, and DCP (North Delhi) Niharika Bhatt, IPS, joined the championship as Guests of Honour.
Sood praised the participating para athletes and said their determination, discipline and hard work could overcome challenges. He said the Delhi Government would continue working towards a stronger and more inclusive sports ecosystem.
According to Sood, state-level competitions can give para athletes the competitive exposure they need before participating in larger national and international events.
Parul Singh, President of the Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi, said the championship aimed to prepare Delhi’s para swimmers for the forthcoming national swimming competition. She said the participation of more than 150 swimmers demonstrated the growing pool of para swimming talent in the capital.
The event also created an opportunity for athletes and coaches to connect with sporting stakeholders. The organisers emphasised that regular competitions can help identify promising athletes and improve their preparation for national championships.
Devesh Chandra Srivastava encouraged the swimmers to maintain their focus and discipline, while Niharika Bhatt congratulated the athletes and organisers. Both officials highlighted the role of sport in building confidence and promoting inclusion.
The championship concluded with a renewed focus on supporting Divyang athletes and strengthening Delhi’s representation in national para swimming competitions.
