SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Institutions: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
On 03 October 2025, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports (ABVT-CDS), Gwalior (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) signed two MoUs - one with the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), and another with the Equibeing Foundation, Bangalore - to enhance inclusive sports and para-athlete excellence.
The ABVT-CDS–PEFI collaboration focuses on strengthening ABVT-CDS as a Centre of Excellence in Para-Sports, via coaching, academic research, infrastructure development, and hosting national/international events.
The ABVT-CDS–Equibeing MoU zeroes in on persons with visual impairment, supporting multi-sport training, adaptive sports certificate courses, joint research, access to ABVT facilities, event hosting, and awareness campaigns to boost social inclusion.
Together, these tie-ups aim to build a robust para-sports ecosystem, from grassroots talent to global performance, and align with India’s preparations to host the Paralympic Games, where inclusive infrastructure and competitive excellence will be central.
For India’s national sports policy, this could strengthen integration between Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Social Justice, and state bodies - especially for Paralympic pathways, adaptive coaching capacity, and inclusive event hosting.
What is ABVT-CDS? → The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports is a national facility under DEPwD focused on training, research, and promotion of sports for persons with disabilities. It matters because it anchors India’s ambition for accessible infrastructure and competitive para-sport development.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: As ABVT-CDS scales operations via these agreements, how can coordinating ministries ensure equitable reach (beyond metros), quality certification, and sustained funding for adaptive sports programs across states?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2174674