IIT Madras Launches Phase 2 Para-Athlete Scholarship

IIT Madras and SBI Foundation launch Phase 2 of the Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme, expanding support to 80 para-athletes with financial aid, sports science expertise, nutrition guidance and performance mentoring.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in collaboration with SBI Foundation has rolled out Phase 2 of the Para Athlete Sports Scholarship Program that has been extended to cover 80 para-athletes in eight Paralympic disciplines. With a view to cultivating emerging para athletes through financial and scientific assistance ahead of their participation in national and international events, this year’s program has come up as an extension of the successful first edition. The application process for the scholarship program is open online till August 9, 2026.

The programme will provide each selected athlete with a monthly stipend of ₹40,000 for a period of one year so that they can concentrate on training and competition. Apart from being provided with money, those who will qualify under the scheme will be subjected to scientific sports performance testing and mentoring. The programme is expected to address the multifarious requirements of the para-athletes by providing both stability and performance services.

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Moreover, there will be sports nutrition sessions in which the specialists will assist the athletes in developing their personal nutrition plans based on their training schedule and competitions. This project includes performance evaluation and evidence-based interventions to improve fitness and recovery. According to IIT Madras, this comprehensive model is aimed at assisting the para-athletes to reach their peak performance level.

The extended academic program benefits athletes playing eight different Para games disciplines, as part of a larger effort to improve the para-sports system in India. Through an increased beneficiary count compared to the previous period, the IIT Madras and SBI Foundation strive to provide more opportunities to gifted athletes who can receive top-notch scientific and professional coaching in the course of their athletic career.

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This program is consistent with the increasing emphasis nationally on developing an inclusive culture of sports, as well as giving para-athletes the opportunity to reach the very top in their field. By creating an ecosystem based on a partnership between academic institutions, corporate philanthropists and sports professionals, this program will strive to develop athletes through methods other than merely providing financial support. Given the continued success of India in international para-sports, programs such as these are expected to be critical for nurturing champions of tomorrow.