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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 25 (EMN): T Ato Yimchunger representing Niuland distirct, Inaholi (Dimapur) and Bodevi Tase (Kohima) emerged first, second and third respectively in the Paralympic Wheelchair Race (60m) held at IG Stadium in Kohima, on Thursday.
The wheelchair racing was organised as part of the ongoing 2nd Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games 2022, organised by Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA).
The other paralympic disciplines including para-bocce, para-judo and para-shot-put concluded on August 23 in Dimapur.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Nagaland State Commissioner of Person with Disabilities (PwDs) and former editor of Eastern Mirror, Diethono Nakhro, said the inclusion of parasport marks a huge step forward as it is the first time that parasport is included in any major sports event in the state.
Despite only a few disciplines being conducted this year, she expressed optimism that it will continue to "grow bigger and stronger."
"There is so much potential in sport for our youth with disabilities and the vision is to design and build a strong parasport programme to create and support our athletes to enable them to excel in sporting arenas across the globe," Nakhro said, adding, "all efforts will be made and encourage persons with disabilities."
"Sport has a unique power. It can be a catalyst to transforming the lives of people and communities. We have only just started to tap into the impact it can have and we must all continue to work together to utilise sport as a tool for inclusion throughout society, and for all individuals. We have to aspire to a better and more inclusive world," Nakhro said.