The day-long camp witnessed the participation of over 20 wheelchair-bound athletes & their families, offering them not only expert training in the Paralympic sport of Boccia.

Hyderabad, April 1, 2025 – In a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive sporting ecosystem, the Boccia Sports Federation of India (BSFI), in collaboration with the Para Telangana Boccia Association and the SBI Foundation, successfully hosted the Boccia State Level Awareness & Training Camp 2025 at Hotel Katriya, Hyderabad.

The day-long camp witnessed the participation of over 20 wheelchair-bound athletes and their families, offering them not only expert training in the Paralympic sport of Boccia but also exposure to the sport’s transformative potential in rehabilitation, mental well-being and community integration.

Hon’ble Justice Shri N. Tukaramji, Judge, High Court of Telangana, addressed the gathering with an inspiring message, “Witnessing these athletes engage with Boccia is a humbling and uplifting experience. This sport instils not only physical discipline but also a renewed sense of purpose and dignity in individuals with disabilities. Initiatives like this remind us of the importance of inclusive infrastructure and support. As a society, we must ensure that such talents are nurtured and celebrated, giving them the confidence to pursue national and international glory.”

Sh. Anil Kumar IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Telangana, echoed similar sentiments, “These young athletes exemplify courage, tenacity, and resilience. It’s heartening to see platforms like Boccia create avenues for self-expression and empowerment. What’s remarkable is how this sport goes beyond physical activity – it becomes a movement, breaking deep-seated societal and psychological barriers. It is our duty as citizens and leaders to foster and support such initiatives at every level.”

Dr. Vikas Bhatia, Executive Director, AIIMS Bibinagar, underlined the holistic health benefits of adaptive sports like Boccia, “In my experience as a medical professional, I’ve seen how sports can play a vital role in healing not just the body, but the mind and soul as well. Boccia is a perfect example of this. It helps improve motor skills, builds confidence, and promotes community bonding. This training camp is a commendable step toward integrating sports-based therapy into mainstream disability support systems.”

Also in attendance were Sh. Ashok Bedi, Chairperson, BSFI Advisory Committee; Sh. Jaspreet Singh Dhaliwal, President, BSFI; Sh. Shaminder Singh Dhillon, Secretary General, BSFI; Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist, ICMR HQ, New Delhi; Sh. Uttaravalli Majji Naidu, eminent businessman; and other key stakeholders.

Sh. Jaspreet Singh Dhaliwal, President, BSFI, shared the Federation’s long-term vision, “Our goal is to create a sustainable and nurturing ecosystem for Boccia across India. This camp is not just about learning the sport – it’s about identifying talent, building confidence, and creating a pipeline of future Paralympians. We believe that with consistent support, India can become a powerhouse in adaptive sports, and Boccia will be at the heart of this movement.”

In his vote of thanks, Sh. Shaminder Singh Dhillon, Secretary General, BSFI, reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to scale the initiative nationally:

“This camp in Hyderabad is only the beginning. We envision organizing similar camps across states to ensure that every potential Boccia athlete regardless of geography or background has access to resources, training, and competitive platforms. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, the SBI Foundation, volunteers, and families who made today’s event a resounding success.”

The event was not just a training camp – it was a celebration of resilience, hope, and possibility. The Boccia State Level Awareness & Training Camp 2025 in Hyderabad concluded successfully! Hon’ble Justice Shri N. Tukaramji, Sh. Anil Kumar and other esteemed guests graced the event, blessing all participants. Grateful for the support of SBI Foundation, Para Telangana Boccia Association, and Boccia Sports Federation of India. A memorable day for promoting inclusive sports!