New Delhi, 11th December 2023: Sightsavers India, a development organisation dedicated to transforming lives through inclusive initiatives, proudly announces the winners’ victory supported by our Social Inclusion Programme in the Para Judo Championship. A group of over 60 girls who received training under the Programme’s initiative of empowering girls with visual impairment through Judo classes participated in the 12th National Para and Judo Championship in Amritsar, Punjab, showcasing their athletic prowess and dedication to breaking barriers.
Sightsavers India’s Social Inclusion Programme equips people with disabilities with the skills (daily living, vocational training, etc.), tools and assistance they need to earn a living and lead an independent life. With a comprehensive approach to gender, we also provide adolescent girls with self-defence training and health and hygiene sessions.
Participants from Katni, Hoshangabad, and Jabalpur districts have excelled in the National Para Judo Championship since 2017. In 2022, the team received the prestigious Best Women Team Award at the National Judo Championship, a testament to their dedication and hard work.
In 2023, 11 girls supported under the Social Inclusion Programme of Sightsavers India qualified for the 12th National Judo Championship. Pooja Choure, with consecutive silver medals in 2021 and 2022, followed by a bronze in 2023, exemplifies the program’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Anjali Yadav, another rising star, secured gold in 2020 and maintained her stellar performance with silver medals in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Anjali’s achievement extends beyond national borders as she qualified for the International Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, 2022.
Janki Bai, representing Jabalpur OPD, achieved gold in 2022 and continued her success with a silver medal 2023 on the international stage. Poonam Kewat and Jyoti Chore added to the laurels with silver and bronze medals at Amritsar’s 12th National Para and Judo Championship.
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, “Many of the girls that have undergone self-defence training have become coaches, passing on their skills to other girls with visual impairment, creating a ripple effect of empowerment within the community. The programme, designed to enhance physical strength, agility, and self-confidence, has successfully trained over 300 girls across Sightsavers India’s intervention states.
