Soldiers with disabilities are being supported in their pursuit of competitive sport through the Army Paralympic Node, Pune, whose work has been recognised with the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award on the Node for its contribution to promoting and developing para-sports in India.
Rehabilitation and sporting opportunities
The Node provides rehabilitation and structured training for soldiers with disabilities who take part in competitive para-sports. Sporting opportunities help personnel continue pursuing athletic goals and remain connected to the armed forces’ sporting tradition despite physical challenges.
The recognition also reflects the Army’s efforts to foster inclusion in sport and give soldiers with disabilities opportunities to demonstrate their abilities at national and international levels. The Node supports para-athletes through dedicated training and rehabilitation.
Army para-athletes at major competitions
Athletes trained at the Node have won medals and set records at competitions in India and abroad. Their achievements include performances at the Paralympic Games, Asian Para Games and Asian Para Triathlon Championship.
Their participation and results highlight the contribution of specialised training and sustained institutional support to developing high-performance para-sportspersons, while helping raise the profile of para-sports in India.
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar recognises contributions to promoting sports and encouraging sporting talent. The award acknowledges the Army Paralympic Node’s work in linking rehabilitation with competitive sport, as well as the efforts of the athletes and those involved in their training and rehabilitation.
