India-Sri Lanka Pact to elevate Paralympic sports

At the recent Asia Para Games in Hangzhou, China, the Indian Paralympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee of Sri Lanka inked a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to elevate and advance the realm of Paralympic sports in Sri Lanka.

The Indian Paralympic Committee pledged its support to enhance the Sri Lankan Paralympic Games.

They have committed to engaging in discussions with Indian companies in Sri Lanka to secure financial aid for the development of para sports under the National Paralympic Committee.

Notably, Sri Lanka recently voted to elect J Chandrasekhar, the Secretary of the Indian Paralympic Committee, as the Coordinator of the Asian Paralympic Committee. This move is promised to bolster the development of Sri Lankan athletes, coaches, and training programs, with India agreeing to extend invitations for collaboration and advancement.

Sri Lanka Paralympic Committee President Colonel Deepal Herath noted, “Sports competition is consistently becoming more intense. Since 2010, every country’s participation has notably increased due to the use of technology and improved player expertise.”

In the recent Asian Para Games, India achieved its best-ever performance, securing 111 medals- 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze-finishing fifth overall. Sri Lanka, in comparison, attained the 18th spot among 43 participating countries, clinching a total of 11 medals, marking its highest achievement in the history of the Asian Para Games.

Expressing satisfaction with the athletes’ achievements, President Col. Herath mentioned, “We are genuinely pleased with our athletes’ success; their hard work has paid off. Our preparations for the 2023 Asian Para Games commenced two years ago.”

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s past achievements, he added, “We’ve been winning Paralympic medals since 2012, securing medals in the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, including a gold and a bronze medal. For the 2024 Paris Paralympics, we aim to secure more medals.”

Col Herath expressed gratitude, saying, “We extend our thanks to the Sports Ministry, National Sports Council, National Selection Committee, and the Executive Members of the National Paralympic Committee for their unwavering support.”

In related news, a 26-member Lankan Paralympic team is scheduled to arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport at 9:30 PM today.

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