In a sports facility built for inclusion and excellence, a group of 21 women athletes are pushing boundaries — and their wheelchairs — in a national training camp that could shape their path to the 2028 Paralympic Games. The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is hosting these players for a 14-day session, organized by the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI), as they prepare for the Asia-Oceania Zone and Asian Para Games.
This is more than just a training camp. For many of the athletes, it’s the first time they’ve had access to a fully equipped, barrier-free sports complex. The AMTZ facility features a world-class indoor wheelchair basketball court, residential accommodation, and infrastructure designed with accessibility in mind.
“This camp is a turning point,” says Coach Captain Louis George Meprath, who is leading the sessions. “We’ve never had the chance to bring everyone together like this. It’s helping the team build communication, trust, and strategy — all key for international competitions.”
This is the second in a series of eight national training camps scheduled for this year. AMTZ and WBFI are laying the groundwork for something bigger: a full-fledged Para Sports Academy that nurtures talent across disciplines.
“We’re building more than just facilities,” explains Dr. Jitendar Sharma, MD and Founder CEO of AMTZ. “We want to create an environment where athletes with disabilities have everything they need to compete — and win — at the highest level.”
The athletes represent different parts of India and bring powerful personal journeys with them. Nisha Gupta from Maharashtra lost both her legs in an accident and turned to wheelchair basketball during a difficult recovery. “It gave me a reason to move forward. Training here, with proper facilities and respect, reminds me that I belong in this game,” she says.
Team captain Geeta Chauhan highlighted how the camp is helping the team play better together. “We’ve often faced coordination issues during international games because we hardly train as a unit. This camp is changing that,” she says.
In Manipur, player Ritu Chanu has had to travel long distances just to find a place to practice. “At home, it’s a struggle. Courts are far, and we don’t have the right equipment. Here, everything we need is in one place. It makes a big difference,” she says.
Alisha Khan, the youngest member of the team from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, has battled discrimination throughout her life. “Being here, treated with respect, listened to — it means the world. Dr. Sharma sat with us, asked about our dreams, and promised to build something lasting. That kind of support stays with you.”
AMTZ has quickly become a hub for para-athletics, not just medical innovation. Following the success of the February wheelchair basketball championship, which led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh’s own team and a men’s training camp, this second national event continues to expand that momentum.
The search is now on for more emerging talent — especially from Andhra Pradesh — to join future camps and represent India on the international stage.
Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is India’s premier medical technology manufacturing hub, dedicated to fostering innovation, reducing import dependency, and promoting self-sufficiency in the healthcare sector. Located in Visakhapatnam, AMTZ provides a world-class ecosystem for medical device manufacturing, research, and development. The zone features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including testing labs, regulatory support, and incubation facilities, enabling companies to develop cutting-edge medical technologies. With a strong focus on affordability, quality, and accessibility, AMTZ plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure and positioning the country as a global leader in medical device manufacturing.
