Indian Contingent Departs for Special Olympics South Asia Unified Football Tournament
A 28-member Indian contingent, including both male and female athletes, has embarked on a journey to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to participate in the Special Olympics South Asia Unified seven-a-side football tournament. The contingent comprises 22 players and five coaches representing eight different Indian states.
The team underwent rigorous training at a camp in Faridabad, Haryana, in preparation for the tournament. Harpreet Singh, the sports director of Special Olympics Bharat, expressed confidence in the female team’s ability to secure a medal. However, he acknowledged that the men’s team requires further improvement in their skills, particularly in defending the goal.
Special Olympics Bharat is the National Sports Federation for individuals with intellectual disabilities, recognized by the Ministry of Sports. Intellectual disability refers to significantly below-average intellectual functioning, often characterized by an IQ below 70, and impairments in daily life and social adaptation.
Ankita, the captain of the women’s football team, shared her transformative experience with Special Olympics Bharat. She emphasized the organization’s positive impact on her understanding, compassion, and work ethic. She expressed her determination to make India and her parents proud and to give her all to secure the gold medal.
The tournament will also feature teams from Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Maldives. The Indian contingent is hopeful of achieving success and representing their country with pride.
