The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), Visakhapatnam, is set to become the national hub of para sports as it hosts the 3rd National Men’s Para Kabaddi Championship from January 23 to 26, 2026. The tournament brings together athletes from across India, celebrating determination, inclusivity and the competitive spirit of para kabaddi.
The championship is being jointly organised by AMTZ, the Indian Para Kabaddi Association (IPKA), and Wheeling Happiness Foundation, led by Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee Deepa Malik. An opening ceremony held on January 22 marks the formal start of the event, followed by four days of competitive matches. The championship will conclude with a closing ceremony on January 26, coinciding with India’s Republic Day celebrations.
The idea for hosting the national championship at AMTZ emerged from a meeting last year between Deepa Malik and Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director and Founder CEO of AMTZ, during the foundation-laying ceremony of the Para Sports Academy. The discussion reflected a shared vision to strengthen India’s para sports ecosystem by creating high-visibility platforms for athletes with disabilities.
This year’s championship features participation from 20 states, with nearly 350 para athletes and around 70 officials taking part. The tournament provides a national stage for athletes at various stages of their sporting journeys, from emerging talent to experienced competitors, while bringing together coaches, referees, administrators and sports leaders from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Sharma said that AMTZ views innovation as extending beyond technology into empowerment and social inclusion. He noted that hosting the championship reinforces the organisation’s commitment to creating opportunities where ability is recognised over disability and performance is given centre stage.
Deepa Malik emphasised that para sports represent strength, discipline and belief rather than sympathy. She added that kabaddi, as a sport rooted in teamwork and resilience, reflects the spirit of para athletes and underscores the need for equal platforms and recognition.
Over the course of the championship, spectators can expect high-energy matches that highlight agility, strategy and mental toughness. Beyond the sporting action, the event stands as a powerful statement on inclusivity, inspiring young athletes with disabilities to pursue sport with confidence. As the tournament concludes on January 26, the championship leaves behind a lasting message—that determination defines ability, and every athlete deserves the chance to excel.
The Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) is India’s first dedicated medical technology park, located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Established to reduce the country’s dependence on imports of medical devices, AMTZ provides world-class infrastructure, research facilities, and manufacturing units to promote indigenous production of healthcare equipment. Spread over 270 acres, it houses specialized laboratories, testing centers, prototyping facilities, and incubation hubs to support startups and established companies alike. By offering shared resources and cutting-edge technology at affordable costs, AMTZ fosters innovation, accelerates product development, and strengthens India’s healthcare ecosystem, aligning with the vision of making the nation self-reliant in medical technology.
