Chennai: IIT Madras launched a three-day adaptive sports event, Thiramai - Sports 4 All, on campus today, in collaboration with the National Center for Assistive Health Technologies (NCAHT), TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), and sponsor RRD.

The initiative, running from 22 to 24 November, provides persons with disabilities a platform to explore adaptive sports, train with expert coaches, and utilize specialized equipment.

The event saw participation from 100 individuals across eight sports, including wheelchair basketball, badminton, tennis, cricket, and racing, alongside javelin and boccia. This marks the evolution of earlier initiatives, such as Thiramai 2020 and Sports 4 All (2022, 2023), which have positively impacted over 700 participants.

Dean (Students) Prof. Sathyanarayana Gummadi emphasized the role of adaptive sports in fostering empowerment and inclusivity, while Dr. Manish Anand, event coordinator, highlighted its contribution to physical and social well-being. RRD Managing Director Kaushik Sarawgi advocated mainstreaming para-sports to boost mental health and community participation.

Aligned with IIT Madras' Annaivarakum IITM initiatives, the event underscores the institute's commitment to accessibility, inclusive education, and translational research, advancing assistive technologies to benefit persons with disabilities.

Future events aim to expand inclusivity across wider disability groups.