Hyundai and GoSports opens 2026–27 Samarth Para Sports programme applications

Hyundai Motor India Foundation, in partnership with GoSports Foundation, has opened applications for the 2026–27 Samarth Para Sports Programme, giving India’s para athletes a fresh shot at structured, high-performance support. Under the ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ umbrella, the initiative focuses on long-term development rather than one-off grants, creating a pathway for promising competitors to access coaching, sports science, equipment, and mentorship.

Now entering its third year, the Samarth Para Sports Programme builds on two seasons of progress in athlete development and international results, including representation at the 2024 Paralympics. Since launch, supported athletes have claimed 114 medals—52 gold, 26 silver, and 36 bronze—at key events, proving how backing turns promise into podiums for Indian para sport nationwide.

Applications Open for Core Para-Disciplines

For the new 2026–27 cycle, applications are open from 19 June 2026 to 30 June 2026, giving eligible para-athletes a defined window to apply for support. The program will consider athletes competing in Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, and Para Canoe, focusing on disciplines where Indian para-sport has shown strong promise and headroom for growth.

To qualify, applicants must hold a valid National Paralympic Committee classification, be Indian residents aged 16 or above, and have at least one top-three finish across the last three National Championships held since 2023. Both male and female athletes are encouraged to apply, with selections made through a structured evaluation process aligned to performance, potential, and long-term development needs.

Strong Impact in Just Two Years

Although still a relatively young initiative, the Samarth Para Sports Programme has already delivered tangible results on national and international stages. Within its first two years, four supported athletes represented India at the 2024 Paralympics, underlining the program's ability to convert structured support into world-stage appearances.

Collectively, Samarth-backed athletes have secured 114 medals, including 52 gold, 26 silver, and 36 bronze, split across 48 national and 66 international podiums. This medal haul reflects not just individual excellence but also the impact of consistent, year-round backing on preparation, competition exposure, and athlete confidence.

Athlete-First Stories Behind the Numbers

The program's impact is best seen in the journeys of individual athletes who have broken new ground with Samarth’s support. Para track and field athlete Bhavik Bharwad, for instance, has earned multiple international gold medals and clocked a personal best of 48.95 seconds in the 400m, underscoring his progress in a highly competitive event.

Throw specialist Sakshi Kasana has taken gold at the WPA New Delhi Grand Prix, reached the finals of the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, and competed at the 2024 Paralympics, marking her as a consistent international contender.

Paracanoeist Yash Kumar became the first Indian male paracanoeist to compete at the Paralympics and was honored with the Laxman Award in 2025, while para-badminton player Palak Kohli received the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award and para-athlete Rachana Patel earned a nomination for the Eklavya Award in 2026.

Hyundai Sportmanship

Leaders from Hyundai Motor India and the GoSports Foundation emphasize that the goal is to offer para-athletes the same level of structured, long-term backing that elite athletes receive globally, rather than short-term sponsorship bursts. The focus is on nurturing “future champions” by investing in sustained preparation, better infrastructure access, and an environment that enables para-athletes to compete at the highest level with confidence.

The sports program sits within Hyundai’s broader ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, which aims to build a more inclusive, barrier-free society for people with disabilities. Through technology, partnerships, product innovation, and storytelling, Samarth seeks to shift mindsets and help turn everyday environments into level playing fields for all.

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CarBike 360 Says

Aligned with Hyundai Motor India’s vision of “Progress for Humanity," the initiative reinforces the brand’s commitment to equal opportunity and accessibility beyond roads and showrooms. With the latest application cycle now open, the Samarth Para Sports Programme offers India’s next wave of para-athletes a timely opportunity to access world-class support and chase bigger sporting dreams.