Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the 26th National Para Swimming Championship in Bhopal on November 13, 2026. The national-level sporting event is being held at Prakash Tarun Pushkar in Tulsi Nagar, bringing together more than 400 para swimmers from 26 states across the country.
The championship features around 100 women swimmers and aims to provide a platform for para athletes to showcase their talent and compete at the national level. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang, along with several public representatives and senior officials, attended the inauguration ceremony.
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state government was continuously working to encourage athletes and strengthen sports infrastructure. He also highlighted India’s growing achievements in international sports under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India Making Remarkable Progress in Para Sports: CM Mohan Yadav
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted India’s achievements at the Paralympic Games and said the country’s performance in para sports had improved significantly over the years.
He recalled that India won four medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. The country’s medal tally increased to 20 at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, while Indian athletes secured 29 medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
He also referred to India’s performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games, where the country won 114 medals, including 11 medals by para swimmers.
The Chief Minister said these achievements reflected the growing recognition of para athletes and the government’s efforts to promote sports across the country.
Madhya Pradesh Government Working to Promote Athletes
Mohan Yadav said the Madhya Pradesh government was taking several steps to encourage sportspersons and provide them with better training and competition facilities.
He highlighted that 11 sports academies are currently operational in the state, providing training and support to athletes across different disciplines.
He also noted that 32 players from Madhya Pradesh represented India at the Asian Games this year, winning 12 medals, including two silver medals.
The Chief Minister further announced that the state government was working towards developing modern sports stadiums in every Assembly constituency to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage young talent.
Special facilities for para sports will also be included in these stadiums to ensure greater opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Bhopal Emerging as a Hub for Water Sports
The Chief Minister said Bhopal was gradually emerging as an important centre for water sports in the country.
He highlighted the city’s growing participation in disciplines such as kayaking, canoeing and rowing. Sailing competitions have also been organised at the Upper Lake, further strengthening Bhopal’s position as a water sports destination.
He added that a major Asian hockey event at the international-level sports stadium being developed in Barkheda Nathu would bring further recognition to Madhya Pradesh.
The state government aims to attract more national and international sporting events to Madhya Pradesh, promoting the state as a major destination for sports and tourism.
Mohan Yadav also highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s natural beauty, tourist destinations and food culture, saying the state continues to attract visitors from across India and abroad.
National Education Policy Encouraging Sports Development
The Chief Minister also referred to the role of the National Education Policy, implemented in 2020, in encouraging sports and physical education.
He said the policy had provided greater encouragement to players, coaches and trainers, helping strengthen the overall sports ecosystem.
According to him, the state government is working to create better opportunities for athletes through improved infrastructure, training facilities and participation in major sporting competitions.
Madhya Pradesh Improves Its Position in National Sports: Minister Vishwas Sarang
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang said sports were an important part of life and that the Madhya Pradesh government was consistently working to encourage athletes across different disciplines.
He credited Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s leadership for the state’s growing achievements in sports.
Sarang said Madhya Pradesh had improved its position in national sports competitions from 17th-18th place to third place, reflecting the progress made in sports development.
He also highlighted the construction of an international-level sports stadium at Barkheda Nathu near Bhopal.
The minister further announced that Madhya Pradesh would host the Asian Women’s Championship for the first time from November 19, with teams from six Asian countries participating in the competition.
He added that every Assembly constituency in the state would have a sports stadium, with dedicated facilities for para sports to ensure equal opportunities for all athletes.
About the 26th National Para Swimming Championship
The 26th National Para Swimming Championship is being organised in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, with participation from more than 400 para swimmers representing 26 states. The competition provides a national platform for para athletes, including women swimmers, to demonstrate their abilities and compete at a high level. The event also highlights the growing importance of para sports and the need for stronger sporting infrastructure across the country.
