The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), in collaboration with the SBI Foundation, has launched the Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering 100 para-athletes across India. The programme seeks to provide a robust support system for differently-abled athletes, enabling them to achieve national and international sporting excellence.
Under this initiative, selected para-athletes will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000. In addition to financial support, the scholarship programme will provide scientific training, including access to advanced data analytics, performance monitoring, and mentorship opportunities. According to IIT Madras, the combination of financial backing and scientific guidance ensures that athletes have the necessary resources to compete at the highest levels, including prestigious events like the Paralympics and other international competitions.
The programme aims to foster a strong ecosystem of support and inclusivity in Indian sports. By nurturing para-athletes and offering them specialized training, IIT Madras and SBI Foundation hope to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that elevates India’s representation in global sporting events. This initiative is seen as a significant step in recognising and nurturing the potential of differently-abled athletes, aligning with both institutions’ shared vision of inclusive growth and excellence.
Technical Assistance and Launch
The technical framework for the scholarship is being provided by Acrophase, an IIT Madras Center of Excellence for Human Performance, led by Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam. The center will guide the athletes on scientific training methods, biomechanics, and performance optimization, ensuring that they receive comprehensive preparation.
The programme was formally launched on August 14, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director and CEO of SBI Foundation, along with other key stakeholders. The launch marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to empowering para-athletes and promoting diversity in sports.
Remarks by IIT Madras Officials
Professor Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations at IIT Madras, lauded the initiative, saying, “At IIT Madras, we deeply value our partnership with SBI Foundation and the opportunities it creates. The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme is clearly aligned with the values of diversity and inclusion in sports that we have been championing over the years. It levels the playing field for para-athletes, opening avenues for them to aspire, dream, and grow on both the national and international stage.”
This programme is expected to have a transformative impact on the lives of para-athletes, providing them with both the financial support and scientific tools to reach their full potential. By bridging gaps in access to resources, mentorship, and training, IIT Madras and SBI Foundation are setting a precedent for inclusive sports development in India.
The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme stands as a testament to the commitment of both institutions to inclusive growth, empowerment, and excellence in Indian sports, and it is poised to create a new generation of world-class para-athletes representing India on the global stage.
