Front Row (From L-R): Rakesh Kumar- Para Athlete; Dharambir Nain- Para Athlete
Rear Row (From L-R): Sharad Kumar- Para Athlete; Rakshitha Raju- Para Athlete; Mrs Deepthie Bopaiah- CEO, GoSports Foundation; Mr. Vikas Taneja- Group CEO, Gameskraft; Mohd Yasser- Para Athlete; and Rishi Wadhera- VP, Corporate Communications and CSR, Gameskraft
Gameskraft Foundation, the social arm of one of the leading online skill-based games company Gameskraft, is pleased to announce the continuation of its partnership with GoSports Foundation for the third consecutive year to support the ‘Para Champions Programme’ as an Associate Partner. This ongoing collaboration, now in its third year, reflects a shared commitment to helping para-athletes in India reach their full potential. Over the past few years, this partnership has contributed significantly to the development of para-athletes, leading to impressive performances on the global stage. In FY 2024-2025, the programme will support 40 athletes.
The Para Champions Programme, established by GoSports Foundation in 2015, aims to nurture emerging para-athletes across the country by providing scholarships and access to top-tier training, sports science specialists, and advanced technology, as well as funding for accommodation and travel during competitions.
This year, 184 applicants underwent a thorough selection process, resulting in the inclusion of 13 athletes for FY 2024-2025. Notably, 34 athletes from the Para Champions Programme represented India at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, highlighting the programme’s crucial role in elevating India’s success in para sports. At the recently concluded 2024 Paris Paralympics, five athletes from the program achieved remarkable success by winning medals. Sumit Antil and Dharambir each secured gold medals in Javelin Throw and Club Throw, respectively. Additionally, Sharad Kumar and Suhas Yathiraj earned silver medals in High Jump and Badminton Singles. Rakesh Kumar also made his mark by clinching a bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound Open event of Para Archery which is India’s first ever in the sport of archery.
Rishi Wadhera, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Gameskraft, said “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with GoSports Foundation, as it underscores our dedication to empowering para-athletes across India. At Gameskraft Foundation, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where talent knows no limits. Together, we will support these extraordinary athletes, enabling them to pursue their dreams and inspire future generations. The strength, determination, and resilience exhibited by these para-athletes are truly inspiring. We take great pride in standing alongside them as they continue to break barriers and elevate India’s profile on the global stage.”
Since its inception, the programme has produced 17 Arjuna Awardees, 5 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardees, 3 Padma Shri Awardees, and 1 Padma Bhushan Awardee. These athletes not only excel in their sport but also inspire future generations of para-athletes.
Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, added “We at GoSports Foundation are delighted to continue our partnership with Gameskraft Foundation, as the Associate Partner of the Para Champions Programme. This programme has pioneered and advanced India’s para-sports movement, and our collaboration with Gameskraft Foundation has driven meaningful progress in the sector and the programme’s overall success.
Gameskraft Foundation recently launched the second phase of the “Mere Kadmon Ke Peechhe” campaign in collaboration with GoSports Foundation. This campaign highlights the stories of 12 para-athletes from various disciplines, focusing on the critical role of coaches, physiotherapists, and family members in their journeys.
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