The Para Sports Association Andaman Nicobar Islands (PSAANI), the state governing body dedicated to promoting Para sports, has announced an open registration drive for Divyang athletes ahead of upcoming classification and competitive events. The registration process is scheduled to remain open until October 31, 2025, at the State Olympic Office, Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram.
PSAANI aims to facilitate the identification, classification, and grouping of eligible athletes to ensure fair competition based on the extent of physical or sensory impairments. This initiative reflects the association’s commitment to fostering inclusive sports opportunities and supporting athletes with diverse abilities across the islands.
Interested participants are required to collect the registration forms from the State Olympic Office and submit completed forms along with copies of their Aadhaar and Divyang medical certificates. The documentation will serve to verify eligibility and assist in appropriate classification for upcoming events.
The registration drive is part of a larger effort to strengthen infrastructure and opportunities for Para sports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. PSAANI’s programs aim to encourage participation, nurture talent, and provide structured competitive environments for Divyang athletes at state and national levels.
Officials highlighted that systematic classification is essential to ensure equity in competitions, where athletes are grouped according to functional abilities. Such measures not only promote fairness but also encourage athletes to develop skills, improve performance, and gain recognition for their accomplishments.
The association’s outreach emphasizes the importance of accessibility and support in sports, creating avenues for athletes with impairments to engage actively in organized physical activities. Through these efforts, PSAANI is contributing to a broader national agenda of promoting sports for all and fostering inclusion in competitive arenas.
In addition to competitive training, PSAANI is expected to provide guidance, mentoring, and logistical support to registered athletes, preparing them for state-level events. The registration process also serves as a foundation for building a database of active Para athletes in the islands, which can inform policy planning, resource allocation, and event organization.
Community stakeholders, educators, and sports enthusiasts have welcomed the initiative, recognizing the positive impact on Divyang athletes’ confidence, physical health, and social inclusion. By facilitating participation in sports, the program seeks to empower athletes to overcome barriers and pursue excellence in their chosen disciplines.
PSAANI continues to advocate for the development of facilities, coaching programs, and competitive platforms that meet international standards, ensuring that athletes from the islands have access to structured support. The registration drive represents a critical step in aligning local Para sports programs with broader objectives of equitable access and performance development.
Participants are encouraged to complete their registration within the stipulated deadline to secure eligibility for classification and subsequent competitions. Officials have underscored the importance of timely submission to streamline preparations for upcoming events and ensure comprehensive planning for athletes’ participation.
Through initiatives like this, PSAANI is reinforcing its mission to nurture talent, promote inclusion, and create sustainable pathways for Divyang athletes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The association’s work aims to transform perceptions around disability and highlight the potential of sports as a vehicle for empowerment, skill development, and recognition.
