KOPPAL
A three-day sports training workshop for specially-abled people began at the J.H. Patel Auditorium in Koppal on Thursday, aiming to help participants build skills, confidence and opportunities in sports.
Karnataka Legislative Council member Hemalatha Nayak inaugurated the programme and said disability should never be treated as a defect. She said physical limitations do not limit determination, pointing to athletes who have brought international recognition to India through sports such as wheelchair badminton and swimming. She urged society to remove superstitions and support inclusion.
Additional District Collector Sidrameshwar said success often looks difficult at first, but steady effort and proper skills can change results. He encouraged participants to continue their journey without giving up, recalling Thomas Alva Edison’s repeated failures before success. He said the administration would provide facilities and support to deserving athletes whenever possible.
Vitthala Jabagowdar, Assistant Director of the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, said the department provides free sports training and field access to specially-abled athletes at the district stadium. He said the workshop was organized with Agu Nee Aniketan Foundation, which has helped bring experienced international athletes, coaches and mentors to guide participants directly. The camp focuses on athletics, swimming and badminton, with international coaches conducting sessions on August 28 and 29. Medal-winning athletes and coaches were also honoured during the inauguration. Officials said the programme is a valuable chance for local talent to learn, improve and dream bigger. Many participants attended, hoping to turn determination into sporting achievement and lasting success.
