In a moment of immense pride for Indian para-sports, two young athletes, Shivani and Jyoti, have been chosen for one of the nation's highest civilian honours for children. The duo, trained under the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), will receive the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi on Friday.
Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Sporting Excellence
Their selection celebrates far more than just medals; it recognises extraordinary journeys of resilience. Hailing from Maddikera village in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, Shivani has defied odds to excel in javelin throw and shot put. Her counterpart, Jyoti, from Haryana, has demonstrated exceptional prowess across multiple disciplines: discus throw, shot put, and javelin throw.
Both athletes have shown remarkable consistency, discipline, and mental fortitude over the past four years. Their steady improvement at state and national competitions is a testament to their sheer determination and sustained effort in overcoming significant physical challenges and social barriers.
The Foundation Behind the Success
The Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) played a pivotal role in shaping these champions' careers. The organisation supported Shivani and Jyoti from the grassroots level, providing structured training programmes, access to quality coaching, and crucial rehabilitation support.
Beyond physical training, AMF offered mentorship and vital exposure to competitive platforms, which was instrumental in their development. The foundation acknowledged the collective effort behind this achievement, expressing gratitude to its dedicated team and supporting partners—Invesco, Flutter, GMMCO, and Alcon—for their continued encouragement and backing.
A National Honour for Inspirational Journeys
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is a landmark recognition. It honours children aged between 5 and 18 who have demonstrated exceptional ability and outstanding accomplishment in various fields, including innovation, scholastics, sports, arts, culture, social service, and bravery.
For Shivani and Jyoti, this award underscores a powerful message: that talent, when nurtured with the right support and unwavering personal spirit, can overcome any obstacle. Their stories are set to inspire a new generation of athletes and children across India, proving that limitations are often just the beginning of a greater story.
The award ceremony in the national capital will be a fitting tribute to their hard work and the supportive ecosystem created by foundations like AMF, which continues to empower para-athletes to reach for the highest levels of competition.
