Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Parasports
  • Aspiring boccia players are provided the right training at Ektha Foundation

Aspiring boccia players are provided the right training at Ektha Foundation

Parasports April 1, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Boccia, a Paralympic game introduced in the year 1994 is rather unheard of in India even today. Few centres train people in this interesting game that is meant for people with disabilities. Ektha Foundation in Chennai is determined to change that.

This NGO in Chennai is aiming to promote the game so India will send a team to the next Paralympic games. In March, a team from Ektha made up of three boccia players participated in the Third Para Boccia Tournament held in Jalandhar. Two secured the first spot and one of the players came second.

Lakshmi Prabha, Roopa Rajendran and Satish Kumar are the three players who were trained at Ektha and participated at the nationals. These players are aiming for a spot in the Paralympic games

The idea of playing boccia came about as a means of entertainment and sport for wheelchair users who are unable to go outdoors to play, says Satish Kumar, a player.

Boccia is for those with severe disabilities like muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury and other locomotor disabilities. Those who cannot move their hands or legs can also play this game. So this is a very special game because it makes a huge difference to the way players look at things. – Satish Kumar, Boccia Player

Rules of the game are simple, but players need to be extremely careful and sensitive. There are 13 balls, six each of red and blue and one white in colour. Players have to try and put all their balls close to the white ball. There are five different categories based on disabilities of its players.

Founded by Rajiv Rajan, wheelchair user, Ektha Foundation is ensuring that boccia is spread far and wide across India. They have already conducted camps across South India, Delhi and Mumbai. But this has not been easy. One major issue is that of accessibiliy. “We face many struggles to bring this game to the forefront”, says Kumar. “Accessibility is definitely a problem. We have training sessions every Saturday evenings. Our players face difficulties trying to get to the training camps due to lack of disabled friendly transport systems. We are struggling to make ends meet due to lack of funds”.

But those who play the game are fans for life. “Boccia helps to improve your confidence as a person”, says Rajendran. “It is not just a good physical activity but a great brain exercise as well. I look forward for Saturdays to take part in the training sessions. I hope I can participate in the Paralympic event and bring home gold for India”.

With enthusiasm levels this high, the game is set to scale new heights in India.

ALSO READ: Special Olympics champ Ranveer Saini looks to strike gold in next international golf event

Watch in Sign Language

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature disability stories or share disability news with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Accessibility

Bengaluru’s iconic Ranga Shankara theatre introduces storytelling in sign language!

Accessibility

Visually impaired kids at Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys Academy bring to life Durga Puja magic in vivid ways

Get-hooked

Understanding not responding to name as a sign of ASD

Get-hooked

Understanding Essential Oils for Autism, ADHD

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.