A significant milestone in South Asian para sports was marked yesterday (July 12, 2025) with the official launch of the South Asian Para Games Federation in New Delhi, India. The initiative brings together representatives from member nations with the vision of promoting, strengthening, and uniting para athletes across the region.
The inaugural committee was elected during the launch event, and Colonel Tushan Deepal Herath, the former President of the Sri Lanka Paralympic Committee, was appointed Senior Vice President of the Federation.
Additionally, General Rajitha Ampemotty was inducted into the committee to represent para athletes within the leadership.
The newly formed Federation is chaired by K.R. Sathya Narayan, Director of the Paralympic Committee of India, while Ahmad Mohamed, representing the Maldives Paralympic Committee, was appointed Secretary.
Founding members include India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives, and the Federation is expected to pave the way for deeper regional cooperation in para sports.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior Vice President Colonel Herath expressed hope that this new alliance will open a new chapter for regional unity and inclusiveness in sports.
The Federation’s core goals include:
- Developing sports infrastructure for para athletes
- Pooling and managing resources for regional growth
- Organizing a South Asian Paralympic Games in the near future
This new step is seen as a crucial development for the advancement of para sports and empowerment of differently-abled athletes throughout the South Asian region.
