The Wheeling Happiness Foundation (WHF) and Asset Care & Reconstruction Enterprise (ACRE) are working together to strengthen India’s para-shooting ecosystem through a major sports development initiative aimed at nurturing future Paralympic champions. The collaboration, launched under WHF’s flagship programme “Shaping Future Paralympic Shooting Champions,” focuses on identifying and training talented para-athletes from across the country.
The programme is designed to create a more inclusive and structured environment for athletes with disabilities by improving access to professional coaching, adaptive sports equipment, and specialised infrastructure. Through this initiative, the organisations aim to remove barriers that often prevent talented para-shooters from reaching their full potential.
According to the organisations involved, the partnership has already begun showing positive progress since its formalisation a few months ago. The initiative is receiving technical support from the Para Shooting Association of India under the guidance of Dronacharya Awardee JP Nautiyal, helping ensure international-level standards in training and athlete development.
Paralympian and Wheeling Happiness Foundation co-founder Deepa Malik described the partnership as a transformative step toward empowering persons with disabilities through sports. She highlighted that the programme reflects the foundation’s vision of “Ability Beyond Disability” by supporting athletes from the grassroots level and helping them compete on larger national and global platforms. Malik also emphasised that the initiative is not only about building sporting champions but also about promoting a more inclusive society and strengthening India’s Paralympic legacy.
ACRE representatives also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusive community development. The organisation stated that supporting para-athletes aligns closely with its values and long-term vision of creating meaningful social impact. The company expressed confidence that the programme would help athletes gain access to the resources and opportunities necessary for success in competitive sports.
The initiative plans to scout, train, and mentor more than 300 para-shooters from different parts of India. In addition to athlete development, the programme will provide adaptive wheelchairs, specialised shooting tables, and accessible training facilities to support participants during practice and competition.
A significant focus has also been placed on building professional capacity within para-shooting. The programme aims to certify around 30 national coaches and 15 classifiers and referees according to World Shooting Para Sports standards. Organisers believe this step will help create a sustainable and professional ecosystem for para sports in India.
The collaboration also prioritises gender inclusion, with a target of ensuring at least 30 percent participation from women athletes. By combining athlete support, infrastructure development, and professional training, the initiative is expected to expand opportunities for para-athletes while encouraging greater inclusivity in Indian sports.
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