Four Boccia players bring recognition to Tamil Nadu at national championship
Four Boccia players from Tamil Nadu delivered a strong performance at the 10th Senior National Boccia Championship 2025–26, held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The event took place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex from January 27 to February 3 and saw participation from athletes across the country.
Among the medal winners, M Mahalakshmi from Vellore emerged as a standout performer by winning a gold medal in the BC-2 female individual category. Her achievement marked an important moment for the state’s growing presence in Paralympic sports.
The championship highlighted the dedication of athletes who compete despite physical challenges and continue to push boundaries through skill, training, and mental strength.
Four Boccia players shine across multiple categories
Tamil Nadu sent a 15-member team to the championship, and four athletes returned with medals in different categories. S Dinesh Kumar from Tiruchy secured a silver medal in the BC-1 male individual category, showing consistency and control throughout his matches.
Mahalakshmi added to the state’s medal tally with her gold medal in the BC-2 female individual event. Competing at the national level for the first time, she displayed calm decision-making and precise ball placement, which proved crucial in close contests.
M Anusuya from Chennai won a silver medal in the BC-3 female individual category. Her performance reflected steady progress in a category that demands high levels of coordination and strategy.
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In the mixed BC-3 pairs category, Anusuya teamed up with Umaya Saravanan from Chennai to win a bronze medal. The pair worked in sync, relying on planning and teamwork to secure a podium finish.
Four Boccia players compete in a sport built on precision
Boccia is a Paralympic sport designed for individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries. The game focuses on accuracy rather than physical strength and uses a total of 13 balls: six red, six blue, and one white target ball known as the jack.
Players aim to place their coloured balls as close to the jack as possible. Points are awarded based on proximity, making precision and control the most important elements of the game.
For many athletes, boccia offers a competitive platform where focus, planning, and technique matter more than speed or power. The success of Four Boccia players from Tamil Nadu shows how the sport is gaining ground in the state.
Four Boccia players benefit from structured training support
The medal winners have trained under Ektha Trust, an organisation that works with disabled athletes across Tamil Nadu. The trust provides coaching and preparation to help players compete at national and international levels.
According to the organisation, more than 1,000 players across the state are currently receiving training in boccia. However, moving from national to international competitions involves significant expenses, with overseas participation costing up to ₹3 lakh per player.
This financial challenge remains a major hurdle for many athletes who show promise but lack sufficient funding to represent the country abroad.
Four Boccia players look toward future opportunities
Mahalakshmi, who has been playing boccia for about one and a half years, described the championship as her first major national experience. She credited structured training and support for helping her reach this level in a short time.
She expressed a desire to compete internationally in the future, while also pointing out the need for continued backing from training organisations and government bodies.
The achievements of Four Boccia players underline the importance of sustained support systems for para-athletes who are capable of excelling beyond national competitions. Also Read: Vilamarathur Water Scheme Issue Rekindles Debate Over Protest Cases in TN 2026
Conclusion
The success of Four Boccia players from Tamil Nadu at the national championship reflects growing awareness and development of Paralympic sports in the state. With proper training, funding, and long-term support, these athletes are well placed to aim for higher levels of competition in the years ahead.
