RCD’s “Ability Beyond Disability – A Tribute to Service Through Sport”
Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown concludes 4th National Para Throwball Championship with a grand valedictory celebration

Coimbatore, August 31, 2025: The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown, in association with the Tamil Nadu Para Throwball Association and supported by the Para Throwball Federation of India, Asian Para Throwball Federation and World Para Throwball Federation, concluded the 4th National Para Throwball Championship for Men & Women with a spirited Valedictory Ceremony held on August 31, 2025, at Ruby Matric Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore.

Every year’s championship was conducted in memory of Late Rtn. Dr. P. Krishnananda as a Memorial Trophy of Honour, and carried the inspiring theme of “Ability Beyond Disability.”

3 Days of Inspiration, Talent & Triumph
Over three action-packed days, 350+ athletes from 12 states competed in a display of resilience, grit, and sportsmanship. The championship brought together men’s and women’s teams from across India—including states as far as Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand —making it one of the biggest para-throwball gatherings ever hosted in Tamil Nadu.

The games were marked by fierce competition and remarkable performances, proving that determination and teamwork can overcome any barrier. The winning teams were felicitated during the valedictory ceremony with trophies, medals, and citations, amidst loud cheers and applause.

Voices from the Valedictory

Speaking at the closing, Rtn. MD A. Godwin Maria Visuvasam, Project Chairman & District Membership Chair (RI District 3206), said:
“Every athlete who stepped on the court is already a champion. Beyond medals and trophies, this championship has given us a bigger victory—changing perceptions, creating acceptance, and proving that talent knows no disability.”

Rtn. PDG S. Rajasekhar, District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC), RI District 3206, the Chief Guest of the evening, congratulated the winners and lauded Rotary for spearheading inclusive platforms for differently-abled athletes. The event was also graced by several distinguished Rotarians including Rtn. MD K.K. Chugh, District Director, RI District 3206; Rtn. MPHF V. Raja Mahendran, Assistant Governor, RI District 3206; Rtn. MPHF M. Premkumar, Group Governor’s Representative (GGR), RI District 3206; Rtn. CRV Sreenath, President, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown; and Rtn. S. Vikram Kumar, Secretary, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown.

A Sport Spreading Beyond Borders

Para Throwball, which began in India with participation from just a handful of states, has today expanded to 20+ Indian states and 21 countries worldwide. In recent years, Indian para-athletes have shone internationally—winning medals at the Thailand International Para Throwball Championship and the Asian Para Throwball Series. Many players have gone on to secure scholarships, jobs, and social recognition, with the sport becoming a powerful vehicle for dignity and inclusion.

These para athletes are often overlooked when it comes to securing jobs but through sports like these, it gives them an opportunity to prove that they are equally capable and deserving. Special thanks to our government who give them appointment under the sports quota, which has changed their lives for the better.

A Legacy of Service & Dignity

This championship also stands as a tribute to the late Rtn. Dr. P. Krishnananda, a dedicated Rotarian whose service continues to inspire. The event received strong backing from leading para-sports champions and inclusion advocates including Dr. Bharti Krishna Kumar, Writer, Director & President, Coimbatore District Federation of Differently Abled Welfare Trust; Dr. V. Albert Prem Kumar, Founder & President, Para Throwball Federation of India; Dr. Sharan, President, Tamil Nadu Para Throwball Association & Vice President, Para Throwball Federation of India; Dr. C. Jayaprabha, Secretary, Local Organising Committee; Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Secretary, Coimbatore District Para Throwball Association; Ms. Deepa Mohanraj, Managing Director, Koumaram Prashanthi Academy; and Mrs. Swarnalatha J., Founder, Swarga Foundation. Their presence and support ensured the championship was not just a sporting success, but also a celebration of resilience, unity, and empowerment.

The curtains came down on the championship with celebrations of resilience, unity, and the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self.”

Result.
MEN S.

Final
Andhrapradesh – (21) beats Jarkand – 19

Rajasthantha – (15) beats Tamilnadau – (4)

Women’s Final Result.
Karnataka beats Jarkand

Tamil Nadu (15) beats Rajsthan (7)

Best Playar for Men
Rajesh – Jarkand

Best Player fir women
Hema Sampath – Tamilradu

Player of the year – Men

Vijaya Ray Somdhin – Rajasthan

Player of the year women
Sanjatha ekta- Jarkand