State’s first state paralympic games conclude, players from US Nagar shine

DEHRADUN: The state’s first paralympic games concluded at Parade Ground here on Wednesday with Manoj Sarkar of Dehradun winning the gold medal in badminton men’s singles after defeating his opponent from Pithoragarh, Sunil Khatri, by 23-31.
Winners of other events which took place on Tuesday were also given awards during the closing ceremony. Players from Kumaon shone in most of the sports events on the inaugural day.Sitting volleyball, high jump and 100 metres race for blind were won by players from Kumaon.
“We witnessed high spirited sports competitions during the two-day paralympic games. All the players displayed amazing performances whether it was an athletic event, badminton or sitting volleyball. We are sure that more players will participate in the games next year,” said S K Sarki, district sports officer (DSO) of Dehradun.
In high jump category, Satyaprakash and Anil Singh Rana of Udham Singh Nagar bagged first and second position respectively. In the 100 metres race event for blind, Suraj Rastogi of Udham Singh Nagar clinched the first position.
Around 175 disabled sportspersons participated in these games. Over 150 players were from 13 districts of the state and 25 players were from the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH).