Telangana claimed victory in the Wheelchair Basketball Championship held today at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), defeating Karnataka 34-11. The event, a major step forward for wheelchair basketball in India, highlighted AMTZ’s ongoing efforts to support and promote para-sports in the region.
The tournament brought together athletes with disabilities from various states, showcasing their skills, sportsmanship, and the increasing talent in adaptive sports. Held in Visakhapatnam, the championship underscored AMTZ’s role in making sports more inclusive and providing competitive opportunities for para-athletes.
A major highlight was the debut of the Andhra Pradesh wheelchair basketball team, which, despite having only trained for 10 days, managed to secure third place in the tournament. This impressive achievement demonstrated the state’s potential in adaptive sports. AMTZ played a key role in forming the team by organizing a special training camp to prepare the players for the competition.
The championship aimed to foster inclusion and boost participation in wheelchair basketball, especially in regions where the sport has not been widely recognized. Hosting the tournament in Andhra Pradesh is a strategic move by AMTZ to establish a foundation for the sport, encouraging further involvement in national competitions.
Dr Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director and Founder CEO of AMTZ, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “This championship marks a key milestone in the growth of wheelchair basketball in Andhra Pradesh. It’s inspiring to see the athletes perform at such a high level, and AMTZ remains committed to supporting their development and representing the state on international platforms.”
Varun Ahlawat, President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI), thanked it for its continued support in promoting the sport. “It’s partnership with WBFI has been invaluable, not just for this national championship but also in helping us organize international events. We are thrilled that AMTZ will now be the permanent training hub for Andhra Pradesh players.”
This event marks a new beginning for wheelchair basketball in Andhra Pradesh, and with it’s ongoing support, the sport is set to grow. The collaboration between AMTZ and WBFI reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity and empowering athletes with disabilities, providing them the resources to succeed. The initiative is expected to inspire more people in the region to take up wheelchair basketball, further enhancing the competitive landscape.
AMTZ continues to play a vital role in the growth of para-sports by hosting major events like the Boccia National Championship and supporting athletes in both national and international competitions, reinforcing its dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.
