HCL Foundation Expands Support for India’s Para-Athletic Community
New Delhi : HCLFoundation, the CSR arm of HCLTech, today announced a new initiative under its Sports for Change program to support India’s leading and emerging para-athletes.
The Sports for Change initiative has long worked to empower young athletes from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds by enabling personal and professional transformation through sports. The newly announced partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) aims to further strengthen international preparation and training for top para-athletes.
A total of 14 leading para-athletes received sports equipment worth ₹37 lakh. Among the beneficiaries were:
Sandeep Sirgar – Gold medalist in javelin throw at the WPA Grand Prix for three consecutive years (2022–24)
Gayathri HM – Silver at the 2024 World Boccia Challenger, Cairo
Kasturi Rajamani – Bronze at the 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup, Pattaya
Pradeep Kumar – Silver in javelin throw at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games and Bronze at the 2023 Marrakesh Grand Prix
Amisha Rawat – Bronze in javelin throw at the 2023 WPA Grand Prix, Nottwil
Bhagyashree Madhavrao Jadhav – Silver in shot put at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games
In addition, six emerging para-athletes supported by the program were awarded scholarships ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, based on their individual requirements.
Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP – Global CSR at HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation, said:
“In recent years, Indian para-athletes have excelled on global platforms and brought immense pride to the nation. We are proud to support them through our ‘Sports for Change’ initiative, which has played a pivotal role in driving transformation. We will continue to accelerate progress for athletes and communities through our programs.”
Paralympic Committee of India President, Shri Devendra Jhajharia, said:
“India’s para-athletes have shown exceptional talent and determination. With the right support, they can achieve even greater heights internationally. Organizations like HCLFoundation play a vital role in building a strong ecosystem for para-sports by ensuring access to quality equipment, training and nutrition. Such initiatives not only uplift athletes but also strengthen the spirit of inclusion and pride in Indian sports.”
To date, the Sports for Change program has reached over 64,000 athletes, including 25 para-athletes who have represented India internationally. HCLFoundation has invested nearly ₹80 crore in the initiative so far.