Differently-abled children in India have long faced severe limitations in accessing training grounds and sports facilities adapted to their needs. While their passion for sports is undeniable, the lack of specialised infrastructure, coaching, and inclusive environments has prevented them from realising their potential.
With only 60 medals overall and a record 29 in the 2024 Paris Games, India’s Paralympic performance has improved, but a vast untapped potential remains. There is a pressing need to strengthen grassroots infrastructure to nurture the next generation of athletes in this category.
A key lifeline for such children has been the Divyang Sahayata Kendra in Pune, which has been providing free rehabilitation, education, and pre-vocational training since 1956 to students from Maharashtra as well as states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka. However, one aspect of these children’s growth that had been missing was their sports development, as the centre lacked adequate facilities.
Understanding this gap, Tata BlueScope Steel has supported the development of a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility at Divyang, ensuring these children receive the resources to train, compete, and excel. With this football ground, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that sports become a pathway to excellence for these young athletes.
A Training Ground for Future Paralympians
This multi-sport facility is a dedicated effort to unlock athletic potential, open doors to professional sport, and help India improve its standing at future Paralympic Games. Many differently-abled children possess exceptional talent but lack access to the structured training and facilities required to elevate them to competitive levels.
With this newly inaugurated football ground, they now have:
- A Dedicated Training Environment – Unlike open fields or makeshift playgrounds, this specialized facility offers a safe, well-maintained space where children can practice without limitations.
- Professional Supervision & Skill Development – With PT teachers, physiotherapists and trained instructors, the children receive structured coaching to help them develop skills required for competitive sports.
- Opportunities to Participate in State & National Events – The institution has a vision of enabling differently-abled players to compete professionally, with a long-term goal of producing athletes for the Paralympics.
- A Stronger Foundation for Adaptive Sports – Besides football, the facility supports multiple sports, including cricket, kho-kho, kabaddi, and tug-of-war, helping children explore various disciplines before specializing.
- Fully Inclusive Design – Concrete ramps and wheelchair-accessible entry points ensure seamless movement for all players.
- State-of-the-Art Playing Surface – Built on a concrete base with artificial grass and suspension technology, the ground minimizes joint impact and enhances playability.
- All-Weather Playability – Unlike traditional fields, the facility eliminates mud-related challenges, enabling uninterrupted training sessions throughout the year.
- Multi-Sport Functionality – With dimensions of 15m x 30m and a 6m-high safety net, the facility is designed to host various adaptive sports.
- Enhanced Safety Measures – The iron pillars supporting the nets are wrapped with soft sponge padding, reducing injury risks during play.
Tata BlueScope Steel’s Commitment to a Larger Purpose
By supporting this initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Tata BlueScope Steel has furthered its vision of creating inclusive spaces that foster growth, opportunity, and social equity.
“Many of these children have the potential to represent India on the biggest sporting platforms. With the right infrastructure and support, we can pave the way for them to become professional athletes. This initiative also reaffirms our ultimate purpose, #ShelterForAll, which aims to provide safe and reliable roofing solutions across the country,” said Priya Rajesh, DGM Marketing and Corporate Communication, Tata BlueScope Steel.
With around 150 differently-abled children set to benefit in the current year alone, this facility will serve as a foundation for long-term sports development. Beyond recreation, it will function as a training ground for future Paralympians — a space where talented athletes can hone their skills, compete in professional tournaments, and bring national and international recognition to India.
The inauguration of the football ground in Wanawadi marks a significant milestone in the development of inclusive sport in India, paving the way for a future where every child can play, dream, and achieve greatness.