Empowering athletes with disabilities has always been a vital step toward creating a truly inclusive sporting ecosystem.
Empowering athletes with disabilities has always been a vital step toward creating a truly inclusive sporting ecosystem. In a landmark development for Indian sports, the IIT Madras SBI Foundation para athlete scholarship phase 2 details have been officially announced, scaling up support for exceptional athletes across the country. Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural run, this collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the SBI Foundation aims to redefine how differently-abled sports stars are trained, funded, and nurtured for global competitions like the Paralympic Games.
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Expanding Horizons: What is Phase 2 of the Para-Athlete Programme?
The launch of the second phase marks a massive expansion in the scope of assistance provided to India’s rising sports stars. While Phase 1 supported 26 athletes, Phase 2 scales this number up dramatically to back 80 para-athletes across eight distinct Paralympic disciplines.
This program ensures absolute gender equality by supporting an equal division of athletes: 40 male and 40 female para-athletes. The chosen disciplines include:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Judo
- Powerlifting
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Taekwondo
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Financial Staking: Understanding the Stipend and Support
One of the most defining IIT Madras SBI Foundation para athlete scholarship phase 2 details is the robust financial cushion provided to the selected candidates. Each chosen athlete receives a monthly scholarship stipend of ₹40,000 for one full year.
Beyond financial assistance, the initiative bridges a critical gap in Indian sports by introducing rigorous sports science-based performance assessments. Managed by Acrophase—the Centre of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras—athletes gain access to:
- Biomechanical assessments to evaluate and enhance movement efficiency.
- Customized sports nutrition guidance to align dietary intake with training intensity.
- Continuous personal tracking and support leading up to international championships.
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Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Aspiring candidates who wish to benefit from this initiative must meet specific eligibility benchmarks. The program targets Indian para-athletes up to 35 years of age who have proudly represented their respective State or India in recognized national or international tournaments.
The application window for Phase 2 remains open until August 9, ensuring wide accessibility across the country. Candidates can access detailed application guidelines through the official portal. Managing academic resources and exam preparation simultaneously requires reliable tools; students can explore Downloads of Free NCERT PDFs and visual memory aids like NCERT Mind Maps to optimize their learning curves. Furthermore, educational institutions looking to digitize their administrative and learning infrastructure can partner with tech leaders like Mart Ind Infotech for specialized school technology solutions.
Expert Perspectives on the Para-Sports Revolution
The significance of this partnership extends far beyond financial grants; it represents an institutional shift in sports science integration.
Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of Acrophase and the Centre of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras, emphasized the core vision behind the initiative:
“At IIT Madras, we believe that excellence in sport must be accessible to every athlete, regardless of their circumstances. Phase 2 of this program—expanding to 80 para-athletes across eight disciplines—reflects our deepening commitment to inclusion and equity in Indian sports. Through Acrophase, we are bringing world-class sports science directly to athletes who have long deserved it.”
Echoing similar sentiments regarding global preparedness, Mr. Swapan Dhar, Managing Director of the SBI Foundation, noted:
“SBI Foundation, in partnership with IIT Madras, is launching Phase 2 of the Para-Athletic Sports Scholarship to further strengthen India’s sports ecosystem. Phase 1 was a great success, with several para-athletes winning medals at national and international events, including historical triumphs at major global stages. Through Phase 2, we will support para-athletes as they prepare for upcoming global competitions, including the Asian Games and the Los Angeles Paralympic Games.”
Looking Back at Phase 1 Success Stories
The confidence behind launching Phase 2 stems from the extraordinary achievements recorded during Phase 1 in 2025. The inaugural cohort of 26 para-athletes demonstrated phenomenal grit and determination, collectively bagging 70 medals in various national and international arenas. This impressive haul included:
- 32 Gold Medals
- 22 Silver Medals
- 16 Bronze Medals
Furthermore, stellar performances by scholars like Mr. Jhandu Kumar—who secured a historic medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games—highlighted the immediate impact of combining steady financial backing with professional scientific training.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the key IIT Madras SBI Foundation para athlete scholarship phase 2 details?
Phase 2 expands financial and scientific support to 80 para-athletes across eight Paralympic disciplines, offering a monthly stipend of ₹40,000 and advanced sports science assessments for one year.
2. How to apply for SBI Foundation para athlete scholarship?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official SBI Foundation sports scholarship portal by submitting required documentation and proof of state or national representation before the deadline.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for the IIT Madras para athlete sports science scholarship?
Applicants must be Indian citizens up to 35 years of age who have represented their state or India in recognized national or international sports competitions.
4. What is the SBI Foundation sports scholarship stipend amount for para athletes?
Selected para-athletes receive a monthly financial stipend of ₹40,000 for a duration of one year to support their training and nutrition needs.
5. Which sports disciplines are covered under this scholarship program?
The program covers eight major Paralympic disciplines: archery, athletics, badminton, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming, and taekwondo.
6. Who is managing the technical and scientific evaluation for the scholarship?
IIT Madras is handling end-to-end implementation, with its Centre of Excellence for Human Performance (Acrophase) overseeing sports science and nutritional guidance.
7. How many athletes were supported in Phase 1 compared to Phase 2?
Phase 1 supported 26 para-athletes, whereas Phase 2 scales up the initiative to support 80 para-athletes divided equally among men and women.
8. What performance support is provided alongside financial assistance?
Athletes receive biomechanical assessments, sports nutrition counseling, personalized performance tracking, and technical preparation support for global events.
9. Which upcoming global events are these para-athletes preparing for?
Scholarship recipients are receiving targeted training in preparation for major international milestones, including the Asian Games and the Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
10. Where can students access more educational resources and current affairs updates?
Students preparing for competitive examinations can explore dedicated online portals for study materials, current affairs, notes, and practice MCQs.













