WBAM launches coaching camp; submits disability sports demands to Governor
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 22 2025:
The Wheelchair Basketball Association Manipur (WBAM) has launched a five-day non-residential coaching camp at Singjamei Hao Ground with a focus on promoting inclusive sports, particularly wheelchair basketball.
The camp was inaugurated by Dr Mayengbam Veto, director of the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department, who lauded the initiative and affirmed the department's commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities.
During the inaugural event, Dr Veto stated that the programme aims to create opportunities for differently-abled sports persons and that the YAS department is committed to such inclusive initiatives.
WBAM expressed its appreciation for the director's encouragement and support.
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In a significant development, a WBAM delegation comprising six players and four officials also met with the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and submitted a memorandum outlining key demands and concerns related to disability sports in the state.
The memorandum called for the establishment of a dedicated indoor stadium for disability sports disciplines such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, table tennis, and badminton; the introduction of scholarships, awards, prize money, and employment quotas for athletes with disabilities on par with those available to able-bodied athletes; annual state-level tournaments for persons with disabilities; full implementation of Section 30 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016; and the formation of a separate department for disabilities within the Manipur government, similar to the models already adopted in other Indian states.
WBAM also expressed its vision for the future, aiming to prepare Manipur's athletes to participate in the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with India set to host the global event.
In recognition of these efforts, the Governor assured support and encouragement to the association and its athletes.
In addition, WBAM players are set to represent the state at the 9th National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, scheduled to be held from September 1 to 10, 2025 at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre for Sports Persons with Disabilities in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Both men's and women's teams will participate, and the Governor has extended his best wishes to the squads.





