New Delhi, July 16, 2024
The Boccia Sports Federation of India (BSFI), in collaboration with the Para Delhi Boccia Association, held a Valediction Ceremony on Monday, 15th July, to honor and motivate the Indian team before their departure to Cairo for the World Boccia Challenger 2024. The event took place at the Airports Authority of India Officer’s Institute in New Delhi, where the team members were introduced and celebrated.
BSFI Chairman Shri Ashok Bedi announced that the team will be traveling to Egypt on 16th July to participate in the World Boccia Challenger 2024, scheduled from 16th to 22nd July 2024 in Cairo.
The Chief Guest of the ceremony, Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, encouraged the players to perform their best and aim for top positions. Distinguished guests included Hon’ble Dr. Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain of the Delhi High Court, Dr. A Senthil Vel from the National Green Tribunal, Delhi, and Shri Rajinder Kashyap, Ex-Secretary Justice, Government of India, and Member of the Central Administration Tribunal (CAT).
Prominent BSFI members, including Shri Anil Soni and Shri R.K. Sarkar, also attended the ceremony. Shri Ashok Bedi honored the guests, provided insights into the game of Boccia, and extended his best wishes to the players.
The Indian team comprises Jai Sai Purna Chandra, Sarita Dwivedi, Gayithri Hudeda Mata, Ajeya Raj, Anjali Devi, Sachin Chamria, Umaya Saravanan Kunjaram, and Gobindbhai B. Chaudhary. Accompanying them are team leaders, coaches, and managers: Shri Ashok Bedi, Jaspreet Singh Dhaliwal (President, BSFI), Shaminder Singh Dhillon (Secretary General, BSFI), Jagroop Singh (Treasurer, BSFI), Nafeesa (Additional Joint Secretary, BSFI), Davinder Singh (Coach, BSFI), and Gurpreet Singh (Coach, BSFI).
Boccia, a sport played primarily by individuals with disabilities affecting motor skills, is noted for its inclusivity and educational value. Players compete while seated, often using wheelchairs, and may throw, kick, or use a ramp to propel the ball. Boccia has grown to become one of the fastest expanding Paralympic sports, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.
