The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and SBI Foundation have launched Phase 2 of the Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme, aiming to support 80 para-athletes across eight Paralympic disciplines with financial assistance, sports science support and performance enhancement services.
The initiative builds on the success of the programme’s first phase, which helped 26 para-athletes collectively win 70 medals at national and international competitions.
80 Para-Athletes to Receive Scholarships
Under Phase 2, the programme will support 40 male and 40 female para-athletes competing in:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Judo
- Powerlifting
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Taekwondo
Athletics has the highest intake with 28 scholarships, followed by archery (8), badminton (10), powerlifting (10), shooting (10), judo (6), taekwondo (6) and swimming (2).
₹40,000 Monthly Stipend and Performance Support
Selected athletes will receive:
- ₹40,000 monthly scholarship for one year
- Sports science-based performance assessments
- Personalised sports nutrition guidance
- Individual performance optimisation support
The programme will leverage Acrophase, IIT Madras’ human performance research centre, to provide scientific evaluation and help athletes identify areas for improvement ahead of national and international competitions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Indian citizens
- Be below 35 years of age
- Have represented India or an Indian state at the national or international level
- Not be employed or receiving any other sports scholarship
- Submit rankings published between April 1, 2024, and July 30, 2026
Athletes will be shortlisted through a points-based system that considers World, Asian and National rankings, followed by document verification.
Applications Open Until August 9
The online application process is currently open, with the last date to apply being August 9.
The scholarship programme reflects the continued collaboration between IIT Madras and SBI Foundation to strengthen India’s para-sports ecosystem by combining financial support with scientific training and athlete development.
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