Growing culture of para-sports will contribute to healthy society

New Delhi : The growing culture of para-sports in India will certainly contribute to the overall health of the society, says Satyapal Singh, Dronacharya awardee in para-sports. According to Satyapal Singh the more disabled persons take up sports the better the society will be. “Physical activity for disabled persons is a must and if they follow competitive para-sports it will further enhance their mental well-being,” the Dronacharya awardee said. “A change in society was visible as more than 900 para athletes and their support staff were seen in action at the national para-athletics championships held in Bhubaneswar.”  

According to the Delhi-based national coach, more and more people with disabilities are living a healthy lifestyle as they are joining para-sports in India. “There are a good number of athletes competing at state level. More than 100 para athletes, including wheelchair bound players are regular at Delhi's Nehru Stadium,” the coach added. “Irrespective of the minor issues that crop up during the national competitions, overall it's a healthy atmosphere.”

Anti doping : Since cash incentives and awards have increased manifold, there has to be more awareness campaigns to update the harmful impacts of performance enhancing drugs in para-sports. State and national level athletes will definitely look to the shortest route to gain name and fame. “Anti-doping campaigns should start at the state level,” Satyapal Singh said.

Classification : Classification in para-sports needs major revamp. According to the national coach, If classification of new athletes is done at the state level prior to the national meet it will save time and energy during the national championship. “At least 30 to 40 percent fresh faces are coming to compete at the national level. It takes a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes per athlete for classification of the categories. There are also issues of borderline cases,” the coach explained.

Identity cards : To check manipulation at state and national level, Identity cards of para-athletes should be issued. There have been incidents where athletes change their categories and it goes unnoticed. Such incidents aren’t good for the development of para-sports,” Satyapal Singh said.