President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025 on the Army Paralympic Node, Pune, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of para-sports in India. The award acknowledges the institution’s sustained efforts towards providing soldiers with disabilities an opportunity to rebuild their lives through sports and pursue excellence at competitive levels.
The Army Paralympic Node plays an important role in rehabilitating and training soldiers with disabilities for competitive para-sports. Through structured training and sporting opportunities, the institution enables personnel to channel their determination and resilience into athletic pursuits, helping them continue their association with the armed forces’ sporting tradition despite physical challenges.
The recognition highlights the Army’s efforts to promote an inclusive sporting environment and create opportunities for soldiers with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities at national and international platforms. The Army Paralympic Node has emerged as an important centre for nurturing para-athletes and supporting their development through dedicated training and rehabilitation.
Athletes trained at the Node have earned numerous medals and set records across national and international competitions. Their achievements include performances at prestigious events such as the Paralympic Games, Asian Para Games and Asian Para Triathlon Championship, reflecting the growing presence of Army para-athletes in competitive sports.
The accomplishments of these athletes demonstrate the role of specialised training and sustained institutional support in developing high-performance para-sportspersons. Their participation and success at major sporting events have also contributed to raising the profile of para-sports in India.
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar recognises contributions towards promoting sports and encouraging sporting talent. The honour bestowed upon the Army Paralympic Node acknowledges its work in combining rehabilitation with competitive sports and providing soldiers with disabilities a platform to pursue sporting ambitions.
The award is also a recognition of the determination of the athletes and the efforts of those involved in their training and rehabilitation. By supporting soldiers with disabilities in their transition to competitive sports, the Army Paralympic Node continues to contribute to the development of para-sports and the promotion of sporting excellence in the country.
