Assistive Technology and Para-Athletes

Context: Assistive technology played a pivotal role in enabling Indian para-athletes to secure 27 medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, surpassing their previous best achievement in the 2021 Games.

Background of Paralympics

The Paralympics, originally founded by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1948, evolved from the Stoke Mandeville Games into a major international sporting event in 1960, promoting inclusivity through adaptive sports for athletes with disabilities. Held every four years, Paralympians are grouped into classes based on their impairments. Indian athletes such as Avani Lekhara (10m air rifle), Bhavina Patel (table tennis), and Harvinder Singh (archery) made history by winning medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products and systems that support individuals with disabilities in areas such as cognition, hearing, mobility, vision, and communication. In Paralympic sports, assistive technology plays a significant role, particularly in para-archery, para-athletics, para-badminton, shooting para-sport, para-swimming, and para-powerlifting.

Challenges Faced by Para-Athletes

  1. Cultural Stigmas: Many para-athletes face societal prejudices and misconceptions about disabilities, hindering their access to proper coaching and participation in sports.
  2. Resource Limitations: There is often a lack of funding, infrastructure, and specialized training facilities, which makes it challenging for para-athletes to train adequately.
  3. Injury Risks: Para-athletes face increased injury risks when competing at high levels, but limited research on injury patterns specific to disabled athletes complicates prevention and management.
  4. Psychological Stress: The pressure to perform and qualify, coupled with uncertainties like the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to significant stress for both athletes and coaches.
  5. Adaptation Needs: Coaches must customize training programs to meet each athlete’s specific abilities, often requiring extra resources.
  6. Social Barriers: Many para-athletes struggle with social integration and recognition, which can affect their motivation and support.

Way Forward

  1. Increased Funding: Advocating for equal funding and sponsorship opportunities for para-athletes can help bridge the gap with their Olympic counterparts.
  2. Enhanced Media Coverage: Greater media visibility for the Paralympics can raise awareness, attract sponsors, and celebrate the achievements of para-athletes.
  3. Improved Accessibility: Enhancing accessibility in sports facilities ensures equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their disabilities.
  4. Community Engagement: Fostering community programs that support para-sports can help break down societal barriers and promote inclusivity.
  5. Technological Advancements: Investing in research and development of adaptive technologies can improve performance and safety for para-athletes.

Government Initiatives for Para-Athletes

  1. Adoption of UNCRPD (2007): India adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to promote the rights of disabled individuals.
  2. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): This scheme identifies potential medalists, offering financial support, top-level coaching, and international exposure to maximize their chances of success.
  3. Khelo India Para Games: Launched in 2017, this program promotes sports at the grassroots level and identifies and supports talented para-athletes.
  4. Scheme of Sports & Games for the Disabled: This scheme provides opportunities for disabled athletes to participate in sports, develop their skills, and represent India internationally.
  5. Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) approves ACTC budgets for the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and other National Sports Federations overseeing para-sports, ensuring structured training and competition schedules.

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