ABVT-CDS, PEFI & Equibeing Foundation Join Hands to Promote Inclusive Sports and Para Excellence in India

In a landmark step towards making India a global leader in inclusive sports, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports (ABVT-CDS), Gwalior, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) and the Equibeing Foundation, Bangalore. The signing took place at DEPwD Headquarters, New Delhi, in the presence of Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Representing ABVT-CDS were Mr. Vineet Singhal, Director and Ms. Pallavi Rai, Deputy Director. PEFI represented by Dr. Piyush Jain, Founder & Secretary, and Dr. A.K. Uppal, Chairman, while Ms. Ananthalakshmi A.L., CEO & Managing Trustee, signed on behalf of Equibeing Foundation.

The MoU with PEFI focuses on strengthening ABVT-CDS as a Centre of Excellence in Para-Sports through coaching expertise, academic and research collaborations, infrastructure development, and organization of national and international sporting events.

The MoU with Equibeing Foundation brings a special focus on promoting inclusive sports for persons with visual impairment. Key initiatives include multi-sport training, certificate courses in adaptive sports, joint research, access to ABVT-CDS facilities, and hosting national and international events, alongside awareness campaigns to boost social inclusion through sports.

These partnerships are expected to create a stronger ecosystem for para-athletes, foster research-led training practices, and open new pathways for Divyang athletes from grassroots to global levels. By combining institutional expertise, community engagement, and inclusive infrastructure, India is taking a decisive step towards mainstreaming para-sports and nurturing talent across all abilities.