The Indian Institute of Technology Madras and SBI Foundation have announced the second phase of their para-athlete sports scholarship program, aimed at supporting 80 para-athletes competing in eight Paralympic sports. Applications are open until August 9, 2026, inviting para-athletes from across India to apply for this year-long scholarship.
This initiative offers financial aid and scientific support to help athletes enhance their performance and prepare for national and international competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
Building on Initial Success to Expand Support
The first phase of this scholarship program began in 2025, supporting 26 para-athletes. Those athletes collectively achieved remarkable success, winning a total of 70 medals—32 gold, 22 silver, and 16 bronze—at various national and international events. Encouraged by these results, the program is now expanding to include 80 athletes, evenly split between men and women.
The selected para-athletes will compete in archery, athletics, badminton, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming, and taekwondo. This expansion reflects a growing commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity in Indian sports, particularly for athletes with disabilities.
Details of the Scholarship and Support Offered
- Each selected para-athlete will receive a monthly scholarship of Rs 40,000 for 12 months.
- The program targets para-athletes aged up to 35 years who have represented their state or India in recognized national or international competitions.
- Alongside financial support, athletes will benefit from sports science-based performance assessments to identify areas for improvement.
- Personalized sports nutrition guidance will be provided throughout the year to optimize training and competition readiness.
- The IIT Madras team will offer ongoing support tailored to each athlete’s needs, including preparation for major events.
IIT Madras manages the application process, reviews submissions, and oversees the selection of athletes. The institute also ensures continuous support during the scholarship period, combining technology and expert guidance to maximize athlete development.
Why This Program Matters for Indian Para-Athletes
This scholarship program represents a significant step toward strengthening the para-sports ecosystem in India. By providing both financial assistance and scientific training support, it addresses key challenges faced by para-athletes, such as limited resources and access to expert coaching.
Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of Acrophase—the Centre of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras—emphasized the program’s focus on inclusivity: "Excellence in sport must be accessible to every athlete, regardless of their circumstances. Expanding to 80 para-athletes across eight disciplines shows our commitment to equity in Indian sports."
The program’s comprehensive approach aims to help athletes reach their full potential, preparing them for higher levels of competition and increasing India’s presence in international para-sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the para-athlete scholarship?
A: Indian para-athletes up to 35 years old who have competed in recognized national or international competitions representing their state or India can apply.
Q: What sports are included in the scholarship program?
A: The scholarship covers eight Paralympic sports: archery, athletics, badminton, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming, and taekwondo.
Q: What kind of support do selected athletes receive besides the scholarship amount?
A: Athletes receive monthly financial support, sports science performance assessments, personalized nutrition guidance, and ongoing expert assistance tailored to their training and competition needs.
