Bhubaneswar, Mar 19: The 24th National Para Athletics Championship commenced on Wednesday at the Kalinga Stadium, with Para-athletes from across the country participating in the prestigious event. The opening ceremony was graced by Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, who inaugurated the event as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Suraj stated that all sports facilities being constructed across Odisha’s blocks would be fully reachable to differently-abled athletes. He emphasised that differently-abled sportspeople would take the lead in realising Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat – 2047’.

Adding his voice of support, Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh said that differently-abled athletes are a source of pride for the nation and that the state’s tradition of hospitality would set an example for the entire country.

Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence that following India’s success at the Paris Paralympics, this championship would mark a new chapter in the country’s para-sports journey.

The event also witnessed the presence of Additional Secretary of Sports, Ashok Kumar Panda, former athletes Vijay Kumar Swain, and Paralympian Markanda Reddy.

Organised jointly by the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and the Para Sports Association of Odisha, the championship will run until March 21. Around 1,460 para-athletes from 28 states, including contingents from BSF and SSCB are participating, with 40 athletes representing Odisha. Competitions will be held across 145 medal events.

The championship schedule includes two sessions daily: morning from 9 am to 11 am and evening from 4 pm to 8 pm.