The 9th Boccia National Championship 2024-25 was inaugurated at the India Expo City in Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) by Lt. Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff. Over 100 para-athletes with severe disabilities from 21 states have commenced their journey to showcase exceptional talent in this international-level championship.
The Vice Chief also inaugurated several key projects in his visit to AMTZ. These included the foundation stone laying of the ATTRIUM building, an advanced research and innovation hub for assistive technology. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Subramani did the hot commissioning of TechTron, a cutting-edge facility poised to facilitate the requirement of radio isotope for radiation therapy for cancer care in the region.
Lt. Gen. Subramani, the Chief Guest, also addressed the gathering and lauded AMTZ and Dr. Jitendra Sharma’s contributions towards nation building: “AMTZ has made an amazing contribution to the nation. Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Not only have you pioneered advancements in medical technology, but you have also inspired, employed, nurtured, and incubated companies to grow and flourish. AMTZ has embodied the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and is working towards the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The Boccia Championship inauguration ceremony was graced by other eminent dignitaries, including Shri Jitendra Sharma, MD and Founder CEO of AMTZ; Ashok Bedi, Chairman of Boccia India; Jaspreet Singh, President of Boccia India; Shaminder Singh Dhillon, Secretary General of the Boccia Sports Federation of India; Raman Subbarao Suravarapu, Founder and General Secretary of the Para Boccia Association of Andhra Pradesh; and Gurusharan Singh, former General Secretary of the Paralympic Committee of India.
Boccia, a Paralympic precision ball sport, is specifically designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities. Athletes with severe disabilities, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, are showcasing their exceptional skills and competitive spirit in the 9th Boccia National Championship that will culminate on January 15, 2025, with the announcement of winners who will represent India on global platforms.
Lt. Gen. Subramani also toured the AMTZ campus, where he expressed admiration for the groundbreaking work being done in medtech innovation, assistive technologies, and inclusivity initiatives. His visit underscored AMTZ’s pivotal role in advancing India’s healthcare ecosystem and providing a platform for fostering talent and innovation.
The 9th Boccia National Championship promises to be a celebration of determination, skill, and sportsmanship. Matches will commence on 10th January following equipment checks and training, with the event concluding with a closing ceremony on 15th January.
