Telangana’s Abhi Chandra Among Athletes as Special Olympics Bharat National Ice Skating Championship Begins in Dehradun

Dehradun, July 2026 : The Special Olympics Bharat National Championship for Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating commenced on Saturday with a grand inaugural ceremony at the Himadri Ice Skating Rink in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Hosted at India’s only Olympic-standard indoor ice skating rink, the five-day championship has brought together talented athletes with intellectual disabilities from 11 states, reinforcing the spirit of inclusion, determination and sporting excellence.

The championship, which will run until July 15, features competitions in Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating. Besides crowning national champions, the event serves as an important platform for identifying athletes who could represent India at future international competitions, including the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029.

Adding pride to the event, Abhi Chandra is representing the State of Telangana in the championship. A promising skater, Abhi has emerged as one of Telangana’s brightest talents in the sport and will compete against some of the country’s finest Special Olympics athletes. His participation reflects the growing commitment of Telangana towards promoting inclusive sports and providing athletes with intellectual disabilities opportunities to excel on national and international platforms.

The championship was formally inaugurated by Rekha Arya, Uttarakhand’s Minister for Sports, who declared the event open in the presence of athletes, coaches, officials, parents and sports administrators from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded the efforts of Special Olympics Bharat in creating meaningful sporting opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. She stressed that inclusive sports play a vital role in empowering athletes and building confidence while ensuring equal opportunities for every individual.

Rekha Arya also assured participants that the Uttarakhand government would actively work towards strengthening sports infrastructure and expanding access to quality training facilities for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. She said such initiatives would enable more athletes to pursue their sporting ambitions and compete at the highest levels.

Her assurance was warmly welcomed by athletes, coaches and parents attending the inauguration ceremony.

The event was also attended by Amitabh Sharma, President of the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI), who congratulated the participants for their commitment, discipline and perseverance. He encouraged the athletes to continue striving for excellence and highlighted the need to promote winter sports across the country by nurturing young talent from every state.

Also present was Dr. D.G. Choudhari, General Secretary of Special Olympics Bharat, along with senior officials of the organisation. Their presence reflected the organisation’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities and strengthening India’s winter sports ecosystem.

One of the major attractions of the opening ceremony was the colourful march-past, where contingents representing all 11 participating states proudly entered the arena carrying their respective state flags. The parade symbolised unity, equality and sportsmanship—the core values of the Special Olympics movement.

The inauguration also featured a vibrant cultural programme showcasing Uttarakhand’s rich traditions, folk music and heritage. The performances received enthusiastic applause from athletes, officials, coaches, volunteers and spectators, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated diversity and inclusion.

Addressing the athletes, Cheeli Rajasekhar, Sports Expert with Special Olympics Bharat, highlighted the significance of the championship beyond the medals at stake. He informed participants that the national championship marks the first phase of the selection process for India’s contingent for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 in Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating.

He urged every athlete to make the most of the opportunity and perform to the best of their abilities, reminding them that their journey towards representing India internationally begins with strong performances at national competitions such as this.

“The road to the Special Olympics World Winter Games starts here. Every performance matters, and this championship is the first step towards wearing the Indian colours on the world stage,” he said.

For Telangana, all eyes will be on Abhi Chandra, whose participation marks another milestone in the state’s growing presence in winter sports. His selection to represent Telangana at the national championship is the result of consistent training, dedication and perseverance. Competing at this level provides him with valuable exposure while strengthening his chances of progressing through the national selection pathway for future international events.

Over the next five days, athletes will compete across multiple categories in Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating, displaying remarkable technical skills, resilience and competitive spirit. However, organisers emphasised that the championship is much more than a sporting contest. It celebrates the transformative power of sports in breaking barriers, building confidence and creating equal opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

The event also provides a platform for athletes from different parts of India to interact, build friendships and inspire one another through their shared passion for sport. Families, coaches and volunteers have travelled from across the country to support the participants, making the championship a celebration of courage, perseverance and unity.

The championship will conclude on July 15, following five days of intense competition and camaraderie. While medals and titles will be awarded to the best performers, the event’s larger objective remains the identification and nurturing of athletes capable of representing India on the global stage.

As the competition unfolds at Dehradun’s iconic Himadri Ice Skating Rink, the championship stands as a powerful reminder that talent knows no boundaries. With athletes like Abhi Chandra proudly representing Telangana, the event not only showcases sporting excellence but also reinforces the message that inclusion, opportunity and determination can help every athlete achieve extraordinary success.

Team Maverick