East Zone Abilympics 2024 begins in Jamshedpur, showcases PwD vocational skills

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, October 3: The East Zone Regional Abilympics 2024, organized by the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI), kicked off on Thursday at the Tata Steel Technical Institute, Burma Mines, Jamshedpur. Inaugurated by Banna Gupta, Jharkhand’s Health Minister, the event celebrates the exceptional vocational skills of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from Eastern India.

The Abilympics, often referred to as the ‘Olympics of Abilities,’ provides a global platform for PwDs to demonstrate their talents in various vocational fields, highlighting their abilities to compete on both national and international levels. Banna Gupta emphasized the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for PwDs, expressing pride in Jharkhand’s hosting the event. He called for continued collaboration between government and private sectors to build a more inclusive workforce.

The event saw participation from over 200 PwDs across seven eastern states, including first-time representation from Northeastern states like Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya. Supported by partners such as Tata Power, Tata Steel Foundation, IHCL, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event underscores a strong commitment to empowering PwDs through skill development.

As India prepares for the 11th International Abilympics in Finland in 2027, this regional competition marks a significant step towards international recognition and inclusion for PwDs.