The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has secured a three-year partnership with the Shrachi Group and Sports, an Indian multinational conglomerate.
This move signifies a growing focus on Paralympic sports in India providing the PCI with crucial resources to enhance its support for Paralympic athletes. This, in turn, is hoped to lead to increased medal prospects at the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games 2024 and further inspire the nation’s multi-sport aspirations.
Speaking on the occasion, Shrachi Group MD, Rahul Rodi, said, “It has always been a deep desire to see my country do well in the Paralympics. It is an index of what we stand for as a society. We need to support the Paralympic movement in every way and not just express sympathy. In fact, it is never about sympathy. Rather, we need to treat our para athletes just as we do our able bodied athletes and give them the very same support and respect. Our support is a small effort in helping them better prepare for Paris and beyond.”
Thanking Shrachi Group for coming forward, PCI President Devendra Jhajharia, said, “When I competed in 2004 there was very little support for the Paralympics. It gives me great joy to see things have changed. This partnership will go a long way to helping us do our best in Paris and I am confident the Paris Paralympic will be a watershed in the history of Indian sport. On behalf of the athletes I thank Shrachi Sports for the support and the commitment shown to the cause.”
Tamal Ghosal, Chairman, Shrachi Group, said, “Some things just leave a mark on you. To see our Para athletes do that at the Olympics and Asian Games stage is one such. 111 medals at the Asian Para Games was testimony how good they are and it is only fitting corporate India comes forward to support them in true measure”.
Shrachi Group is a leading business house from Kolkata. The MNC focuses on diverse businesses including real estate development (Shrachi Realty), agricultural machinery (Shrachi AgriMech), engineering & EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), and even stationery. The company has a strong presence in Eastern India and is known for its luxurious living spaces and commitment to customer satisfaction.
The PCI, the national governing body for Paralympic sports in India, is responsible for selecting and managing Indian athletes at international events including the Paralympic Games, Asian Para Games and the Commonwealth Games (CWG).