Telangana Governor Felicitates Para-Athletes at Aditya Mehta Foundation’s 14th Presentation and Felicitation Ceremony

Foundation extends ₹3.46 Crore in support to para-athletes and distributes adaptive sports equipment and assistive devices

The 14th Presentation & Felicitation Ceremony of the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) was held at the Infinity Para Sports Academy & Rehabilitation Centre, Begumpet, Hyderabad, on 4th June 2026. The event was attended by Hon'ble Governor of Telangana Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, who felicitated para-athletes for their performances at national and international competitions.

The ceremony brought together para-athletes, beneficiaries, government representatives, philanthropists, supporters and community members to recognise achievements in para-sports and discuss initiatives supporting persons with disabilities through sports and rehabilitation.

Foundation Extends Support Worth ₹3.46 Crore

A major announcement during the event was the extension of support worth ₹3.46 Crore to para-athletes across India.

Of the total amount, ₹1.78 Crore was allocated towards participation in national and international competitions. This included support for the Indian Para Cycling Team, Indian Para Shooting Team and other para-athletes preparing for major international events.

The Foundation also distributed adaptive sports equipment, customised prosthetic limbs, bicycles, hand cycles, training aids and other assistive devices valued at ₹1.68 Crore to para-athletes from different states.

International Para-Athletes Honoured

The Foundation recognised several para-athletes for their achievements in international competitions.

Those felicitated included:

• Arshad Shaik, India's first male para-cyclist to represent the nation at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024
• Lisha Das
• Vishva Vasani
• H. U. Shivani
• Jyoti
• Prashant

The athletes were recognised for their accomplishments in para-cycling, para-athletics and hand cycling.

Governor Highlights Support for Para-Sports

Addressing the gathering, Hon'ble Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla spoke about the importance of inclusive infrastructure, rehabilitation services, quality training and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, he said:

“These athletes are exceptionally talented, and their potential has been further honed by the Aditya Mehta Foundation. The Foundation has identified raw talent and trained these individuals into international-level athletes. They are a pride to the nation and have brought honour to the country through their outstanding performances. Our Prime Minister takes a special interest in the progress of our athletes and constantly encourages them to excel. Such encouragement from the Prime Minister inspires them to go beyond their limits and bring glory to the nation. In consultation with the Chief Minister, we will ensure support for these athletes. I request the Aditya Mehta Foundation to share a proposal; I will recommend it to the Chief Minister and the Central Government so that these athletes can focus on excelling in their respective sports. I also appreciate the companies that come forward to support sportspersons through their CSR funds.”

Discussions on Future Development Initiatives

Shri Jayesh Ranjan highlighted the Foundation’s activities and referred to upcoming international competitions.

He said:

“AMF’s work is commendable, and awareness of its excellent initiatives is spreading, with para-athletes from across the country coming here for training. This year is particularly significant as we have two major international events, the Asian Games in Japan and the Commonwealth Games in Ireland, and our expectations from our athletes are high. Let us encourage our para-athletes to give their best at these tournaments. We are also in discussions with AMF about establishing a modern para-sports academy at the 200-acre sports campus in Hakimpet.”

Ms. Anjana Sinha said:

“I came to know Aditya Mehta during my tenure in the CISF, when he was extending free support to CAPF personnel injured in the line of duty. Witnessing his dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities left me with deep admiration and inspired me to continue supporting the Aditya Mehta Foundation. Today, the Foundation takes pride in having nurtured many athletes who have earned international recognition and accolades. Aditya and his team have worked tirelessly to empower every athlete associated with the Foundation to excel and emerge as world-class para-sportspersons. I request the Hon’ble Governor, the Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, and the Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana to extend their support to this Foundation and help turn its vision into reality.”

Ms. Lakshmi Manchu added:

“I have witnessed the journey of many of the para-athletes here from the very beginning, and I deeply commend their dedication and commitment; their achievements continue to inspire us all. Aditya Mehta has personally guided and supported each of them, helping shape them into the remarkable athletes they are today.”

Event Concludes with Vote of Thanks

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Shilpa Reddy, followed by the National Anthem.

Speaking during the closing remarks, she said:

“What began as a small initiative has grown into a powerful movement that has empowered ten thousand athletes.”

The Aditya Mehta Foundation also acknowledged the support of its partners and contributors, including Alcon, Invesco, Flutter Entertainment India, NTT Data Business Solutions and GMMCO.