IIT Madras, SBI foundation launches phase 2 para-athlete sports scholarship programme; apply till August 9

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and SBI Foundation have initiated the para-athlete sports scholarship programme phase 2 that will support 80 para-athletes in eight paralympic disciplines.

Applications for phase 2 are open till August 9, 2026 on the official website of SBI at sbif-ace-pass.sbifoundation.info. The programme will include 40 male and 40 female para-athletes. The para-athletes will be selected in the following sports: Archery, athletics, badminton, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming and taekwondo.

In this programme, each para-athlete will be given a scholarship of Rs 40,000 per month for 12 months. Selected athletes will receive sports science-based performance assessments, sports nutrition guidance and personalised support tailored to each athlete.

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The Indian para-athletes, aged up to 35 years, who have participated in the recognised national/international competitions on behalf of their state/India are eligible to apply with the prescribed criteria and necessary documentation.

Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship: Phase 1 result

The expansion follows the results of phase 1, which began in 2025 with 26 para-athletes. During the first year, athletes from the inaugural batch collectively won 70 medals in national and international competition, with 32 gold, 22 silver and 16 bronze medals.

Phase 2 will build the para-sports ecosystem in India, with a focus on providing long-term financial support and scientific performance support. It will offer support to the talented athletes, enhance their skills and prepare them for greater competitions, such as at the national and international level, including the paralympics games.

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Speaking about this initiative, Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head, Acrophase, the Centre of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras said, “At IIT Madras, we believe that excellence in sport must be accessible to every athlete, regardless of their circumstances. Phase 2 of this programme — expanding to 80 para-athletes across eight disciplines — reflects our deepening commitment to inclusion and equity in Indian sports.”

Scholarship includes scientific performance support

IIT Madras will set up the technology infrastructure for the applications, receive applications from across the country, review these and make final recommendations for selection and will also ensure that support is provided to the selected athletes throughout the duration of the scholarship (one year).

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An important aspect of the programme is being able to receive support beyond the scholarship stipend. Acrophase will conduct sports science evaluations of the athletes' performance to enable them to pinpoint their development needs and maximise their preparation for events. Sports nutrition advice will also be given to athletes throughout the calendar year, to optimise nutrition strategies according to the athletes' training and competition needs. The team will also offer further support to the athlete as it becomes relevant during the athletes' preparation for a competition, which has a direct effect on their performance.