Arhan Bagati meets Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, discusses para-sports development

New Delhi, July 04: Ahead of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, founder of Kashmir's Yumberzal Applied Research Institute (KYARI) and Awareness and Impact Ambassador of Paralympic Committee of India, Arhan Bagati met Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya here on Thursday.

“Arhan Bagati had a productive meeting with the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to discuss various issues and initiatives to further enhance the impact of Paralympic sports in India. As we gear up for the Paris Paralympic Games starting from 28th August, their collaboration aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our para-athletes, ensuring they receive the recognition and resources they deserve,” a Paralympic Committee of India in a statement issued said.

Arhan Bagati said the meeting aimed to create a more inclusive environment for para-athletes, ensuring they receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

"Our meeting was focused on establishing a more inclusive and supportive framework for para-athletes. It is crucial that these athletes not only receive the recognition they deserve but also have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to excel. By doing so, we aim to create an environment where para-athletes can thrive and achieve their full potential, both on and off the field," he said.

Bagati also said the Union Minister of Youth Affairs assured his support to the development of para-sports in the country as well as in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We had a productive meeting, and the minister assured full support to para-athletes and the development of para-sports in the country and Jammu and Kashmir. We discussed para-sports in J&K, and I'm hopeful for some good news soon in this regard," he said.

KYARI founder further stated that he was committed to work towards empowering para athletes and creating a conducive atmosphere for para sports development. "I will continue to work towards creating opportunities for para athletes and promoting para sports in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Bagati's dedication to para sports is evident in his impressive achievements, including being the world's youngest and India's first Deputy Chef de Mission of the Indian Paralympic Contingent at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. He was also recently appointed as an official for the Indian contingent at the KOBE 2024 World Para Athletics Championship in Japan and nominated to the Ceremonial and Medal Ceremony Committees of the World Shooting Para Sports (WSPS) World Cup in New Delhi.

As Bagati is also pursuing his Master's in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, he said he remains committed to youth empowerment and leadership. "I aim to inspire and empower the youth to take up para sports and become leaders in their own right. Para sports in India is poised for significant growth and development, empowering athletes and inspiring a new generation of leaders,” he said.