Indian Abilympics champions begin their journey from Noida to the global stage in Finland
Noida: A major step towards strengthening India’s presence at the global skills arena has been completed as Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME) Noida hosted a national-level training boot camp for India’s Abilympics contingent preparing for the 11th International Abilympics scheduled to be held in Finland in May 2027.
The six-day intensive training programme, conducted from August 31 to September 5, 2026, brought together India’s selected participants who will represent the country in the Word Processing and Desktop Publishing skill categories at the international competition.
Organised in collaboration with the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), the training camp focused on improving technical skills, accuracy, speed, professional efficiency and confidence among participants. The programme aimed to prepare the Indian contingent for the challenges of one of the world’s biggest skill competitions for persons with disabilities.
The biggest highlight of the boot camp was the participation of two DME Noida faculty members as National Experts for India. Assistant Professor Madhav Sharma and Dr Vishal Sahai, Associate Professor at DME Media School, played a key role in mentoring and training the selected participants.
Their involvement reflects the growing role of educational institutions in promoting inclusive education, skill development and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Abilympics, often recognised as the Olympics of abilities, is an international platform that celebrates professional and vocational excellence among persons with disabilities. Participants from across the world compete in multiple skill categories including information technology, arts, hospitality, crafts, services and professional disciplines.
Unlike traditional sporting competitions, Abilympics focuses on talent, workplace skills and vocational expertise, providing participants with opportunities to showcase their abilities at a global level.
India’s preparations for the 2027 competition have gained importance after the country’s strong performance at the 10th International Abilympics held in Metz, France, in 2023.
During the 2023 edition, 13 Indian participants competed across 12 skill categories and secured seven medals, including one Gold medal, two Silver medals, three Bronze medals and one Medal of Excellence. India finished seventh in the overall medal rankings, marking a significant achievement for the country’s disability empowerment movement.
Following the achievement, Indian medal winners were felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu and senior government officials.
Madhav Sharma, Assistant Professor at DME Noida, brings international experience to India’s Abilympics preparation programme. He had previously represented India as a National Expert during the 10th International Abilympics in France in 2023.
Recognising his contribution and expertise, Sharma has once again been selected as a National Expert to guide India’s participants for the 11th International Abilympics in Finland.
Dr Vishal Sahai, Associate Professor at DME Media School, has also been selected as a National Expert for the Finland competition. His experience in media education, professional training and skill development contributed significantly to improving the participants’ preparation.
During the boot camp, both experts conducted practical sessions, skill-based exercises and competition-focused mentoring. The training covered areas such as technical accuracy, productivity, time management and performance improvement required at international competitions.
The national training camp featured five selected participants who are set to represent India at the upcoming International Abilympics.
The participants included Mohan E from Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Chinmay Mandal from Kolkata, West Bengal; Karan Tanna from Mumbai, Maharashtra; Gaurav from Ahmedabad, Gujarat; and Hardik Shah from Pune, Maharashtra.
The group included individuals with locomotor disabilities and hearing impairments, highlighting the inclusive nature of the competition and the importance of creating platforms where talent can overcome physical barriers.
The National Abilympic Association of India, established in 2001, has played a crucial role in encouraging participation of Indian candidates at international Abilympics events.
The organisation has worked towards identifying talent, providing training opportunities and creating awareness about vocational excellence among persons with disabilities.
India also has a strong connection with the international Abilympics movement, having successfully hosted the 6th International Abilympics in New Delhi in 2003.
The successful completion of the training camp highlights DME Noida’s commitment towards inclusion, skill development and social responsibility. By providing infrastructure support, internet facilities and a suitable learning environment, the institution contributed to creating a professional training ecosystem for India’s international participants.
Rajat Mohan, Abilympics Leader–India at Sarthak Educational Trust, appreciated DME Noida’s support and cooperation in organising the national training programme. With the completion of the national boot camp, India’s selected Abilympics participants will now continue their preparations for the 11th International Abilympics 2027 in Finland.
The upcoming global competition will provide another opportunity for Indian talent to demonstrate professional skills, challenge stereotypes and strengthen the country’s commitment towards disability inclusion and empowerment.
