New Delhi, Nov 19: HCLFoundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of HCLTech in India, today announced an initiative to support elite and budding Indian para-athletes as part of its ‘Sports for Change’ initiative.

HCLFoundation’s ‘Sports for Change’ initiative has been empowering young athletes from diverse and underserved backgrounds to pursue sports as a means of personal and professional transformation. The latest initiative, which is being rolled out with the support of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), aims to boost the preparations of top para-athletes for international competitions.

A total of 14 elite para-athletes received sports equipment worth ₹37 lakh. The list of recipients include—Sandip Sargar: Gold in Javelin at the WPA Grand Prix for three consecutive years (2022-24); Gayathri HM: Silver at the 2024 World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, Egypt; Kasthuri Rajamani: Bronze at the 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Pattaya, Thailand; Pradeep Kumar: Silver in Javelin at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games and Bronze in Marrakech 2023 Grand Prix; Amisha Rawat: Bronze in Javelin at the 2023 WPA Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland; Bhagyashree Madhavrao Jadav: Silver in Shot Put at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

In addition, six budding para-athletes supported by HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change initiative were awarded scholarships ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh each, based on individual requirements.

“Over the past few years, Indian para-athletes have excelled in the global sporting arenas and have made India proud. We are delighted to support their endeavor through our Sports for Change initiative, which has been a catalyst for transformation. We will continue to supercharge progress for the athletes and the community at large through our programs,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation.

“India’s para-athletes have shown extraordinary talent and determination, and with the right support, they can achieve even greater success internationally. Organizations like HCLFoundation play a crucial role in creating a stronger ecosystem for para-sports that provides athletes with the equipment, training and nutrition they need to excel. Such initiatives not only uplift our athletes but also strengthen the spirit of inclusion and pride in Indian sports,” said Shri Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India.

Over 64,000 athletes have been reached through HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change program to date, out of which 25 para-athletes have represented India internationally. HCLFoundation has so far deployed close to ₹80 crore under the Sports for Change initiative.