RFAs: Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program (India)

The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program is inviting applications from eligible Indian para-athletes to support their journey toward international and Paralympic success. The program provides ₹40,000 per month for one year, along with sports science support and athlete development services to help participants achieve peak performance.

About the Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program

The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen India’s Paralympic ecosystem by providing financial assistance and scientific athlete development to high-performing para-athletes.

The initiative is built on the principles of inclusion, transparency, and sporting excellence, enabling athletes to focus on training and international competition without significant financial barriers.

Program Objectives

The scholarship aims to:

• Support elite Indian para-athletes financially.
• Promote inclusion and equal opportunities in sports.
• Improve athlete performance through sports science.
• Reduce financial barriers to high-performance training.
• Prepare athletes for international competitions and the Paralympic Games.
• Encourage long-term athlete development.

Supported Sports

The scholarship is available for athletes competing in:

• Paralympic Archery
• Paralympic Athletics
• Paralympic Badminton
• Paralympic Judo
• Paralympic Powerlifting
• Paralympic Shooting
• Paralympic Swimming
• Paralympic Taekwondo

Scholarship Benefits

Selected athletes will receive:

• ₹40,000 per month
• Scholarship duration of 12 months
• Financial support for:
  • Training expenses
  • Sports equipment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nutrition
  • Travel
  • Competition participation
• Sports science profiling and performance assessments through Acrophase, IIT Madras
• Structured athlete development pathway toward elite international competition

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Be below 35 years of age on the application date.
• Have represented India or their State at the national or international level.
• Compete in one of the eligible Paralympic sports.
• Have a valid senior-category ranking.
• Rankings considered must be published between 1 April 2024 and 30 July 2026, with the most recent ranking used for evaluation.
• Not be employed.
• Not be receiving another sports scholarship.
• For doubles or team events, be an active playing member of the team.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• National and international performance rankings.
• Senior-category rankings.
• Recent competitive achievements.
• Objective performance criteria.
• Sports science profiling and assessments.
• Potential for international and Paralympic success.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Passport-size photograph
• Disability certificate
• Proof of sports achievements
• National or international ranking documents
• Identity and personal details
• Bank account details
• Financial information
• Required declarations
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the application

How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Enter your personal information.
3. Provide your sports profile.
4. Submit disability-related information.
5. Enter your financial and bank details.
6. Upload all required supporting documents.
7. Include proof of achievements and rankings.
8. Review all information carefully before submission.
9. Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program helps talented para-athletes overcome financial challenges that often limit access to elite-level training and competition.

The program contributes to:

• Stronger Paralympic performance by Indian athletes.
• Improved access to sports science and athlete monitoring.
• Better training and recovery support.
• Increased participation in international competitions.
• Long-term development of para-sports in India.
• Greater inclusion and equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Ensure your ranking documents are current and valid.
• Upload clear copies of all required certificates.
• Provide complete details of your achievements.
• Double-check your bank and personal information.
• Ensure all declarations are completed correctly.
• Submit the application well before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Uploading incomplete or unclear documents.
• Providing outdated ranking information.
• Omitting proof of achievements.
• Entering incorrect bank details.
• Applying while receiving another sports scholarship.
• Submitting an incomplete application form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program?

Indian para-athletes below 35 years of age who have represented their State or India at the national or international level and compete in eligible Paralympic sports may apply.

How much financial assistance does the scholarship provide?

Selected athletes receive ₹40,000 per month for one year.

Which sports are covered under the program?

The scholarship supports Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Judo, Powerlifting, Shooting, Swimming, and Taekwondo.

How are athletes selected?

Selection is based on objective performance criteria, including national and international senior rankings and sports science assessments.

Can athletes already receiving another scholarship apply?

No. Applicants must not be receiving another sports scholarship at the time of application.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a passport photograph, disability certificate, achievement documents, ranking proof, bank details, and other required supporting documents.

What additional support is provided besides financial assistance?

The program includes sports science profiling and performance assessments through Acrophase at IIT Madras, helping athletes improve performance and prepare for higher levels of international competition.

Conclusion

The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program offers an excellent opportunity for talented Indian para-athletes to receive ₹40,000 per month, expert sports science support, and a structured development pathway toward international and Paralympic success. By reducing financial barriers and enhancing athlete performance, the program plays a significant role in strengthening India’s future in Paralympic sports.