Parul Singh receives the Khel Ratna Award in New Delhi for promoting para sports, supporting athletes with disabilities and advancing sports inclusion
New Delhi: Parul Singh, president of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, has received the Khel Ratna Award for her contribution to the development of para sports and her efforts to encourage athletes with disabilities. The honour recognises initiatives aimed at expanding access to sports and supporting a more inclusive sporting environment.
The organisers presented the award during the Marathi Melava and Sahyadri Ratna Awards programme at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi on October 9. The ceremony also marked the seventh anniversary of the Dainik Rashtra Sahyadri Media Group.
Award Ceremony Draws Senior Public Representatives
The event brought together several political leaders and public figures. Attendees included Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for AYUSH and Health and Family Welfare; Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment; and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.
Former BJP National Vice-President Shyam Jaju and Neela Vikhe Patil, a Member of Parliament representing Stockholm City constituency in Sweden, also attended the programme.
Building a More Inclusive Sporting Environment
In her role as president of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, Singh has been working to create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Access to training, suitable infrastructure and competitive events can help athletes improve their skills and compete at different levels.
These efforts form an important part of building a stronger para sports ecosystem, where athletes receive greater opportunities to participate and showcase their talent.
Why Para Sports Recognition Matters
Para sports provide athletes with disabilities opportunities to compete, pursue sporting ambitions and gain recognition for their achievements. They also help promote equal participation, independence and inclusion.
Recognising the contributions of people who support para athletes can increase public awareness and draw attention to the need for accessible sports facilities and development programmes.
The seventh-anniversary event celebrated individuals associated with sporting achievement and inclusion. Parul Singh’s recognition brought attention to the ongoing work required to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities and strengthen para sports across the country.
