HCLFoundation Expands Support for Para-Athletes with Equipment Grants and Scholarships

New Delhi, November 20, 2025: HCLFoundation, the CSR arm of HCLTech, has expanded its support for India’s para-athletic community by providing sports equipment to elite athletes and scholarships to emerging talent under its Sports for Change initiative. The announcement was made on November 18, 2025, in collaboration with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

A total of 14 elite para-athletes received sports equipment worth ₹37 lakh. The beneficiaries include accomplished sportspersons such as Sandip Sargar, Gayathri HM, Kasthuri Rajamani, Pradeep Kumar, Amisha Rawat and Bhagyashree Madhavrao Jadav, all of whom have earned laurels for India at global competitions. Additionally, six aspiring para-athletes were awarded scholarships ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh to support their training and development needs.

“Over the past few years, Indian para-athletes have excelled in the global sporting arenas and have made India proud. We are delighted to support their endeavor through our Sports for Change initiative, which has been a catalyst for transformation. We will continue to supercharge progress for the athletes and the community at large through our programs,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation.

PCI President Shri Devendra Jhajharia highlighted the importance of such partnerships, noting, “India’s para-athletes have shown extraordinary talent and determination, and with the right support, they can achieve even greater success internationally. Organizations like HCLFoundation play a crucial role in creating a stronger ecosystem for para-sports that provides athletes with the equipment, training and nutrition they need to excel.”

The Sports for Change initiative has reached over 64,000 athletes to date, with 25 para-athletes representing India internationally. HCLFoundation has invested nearly ₹80 crore in the initiative so far, aiming to promote inclusion, access and excellence in grassroots and competitive sports.

HCLFoundation continues to work across key development themes including education, health, environment, skill development, and disaster response, and has impacted more than 7.5 million lives across India.