The release of the booklet was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Sports as a Vehicle of Social Inclusion’, moderated by Mr. Rishabh Gulati, Editor-In-Chief, NewsX. Featuring a diverse group of panelists, that included Mr. Ankur Dhama, Arjuna Awardee; Commodore PK Garg, CEO of Target Olympic Podium Scheme; Dr. Anuradha Solanky, Sports Psychologist at Sports Authority of India; Mr. Tim Newenham, Director, Singapore Disability Sports Council; Ms. Himika Chaudhari, General Manager, National Film Development Corporation, I&B Ministry; Colonel Ashok Mor, Principal, Motilal Nehru School of Sports; Professor K.K. Deepak, Former Dean AIIMS Delhi; Brig. Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Director, Sports Authority of India, and Ms. Kavita Suresh, General Secretary, Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India.
The dignitaries of the panel while discussing the role of sports in social inclusion discussed challenges and barriers that Persons with Disabilities face, the potential solutions to address these, and how the government is facilitating their inclusion. The panel also discussed how media can raise awareness about the available resources for persons with disabilities and disseminate information regarding creating safe spaces for sportspersons in the community and making existing sports areas, fields, etc. accessible for all. In addition to it, the crucial aspect of sports science and research was also discussed.
