Jammu, Feb 1: MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana, flagged off a contingent of Special Olympics athletes from Jammu and Kashmir, selected to represent the UT at the Special Olympics Bharat National Athletics Championship in Rohtak, Haryana, from 2–7 February 2026.

The athletes earned their selection through exceptional performances at the State Games 2025 and subsequent trials at Jammu University. The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials, coaches, parents, and well-wishers, including Dr. Ashwani Jojra, Founding President, Special Olympics Bharat – J&K UT, and Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Director Disabilities, SAHYOG India.
Addressing the athletes, Devyani Rana praised their determination, discipline, and resilience, calling them a source of inspiration and pride for the Union Territory. She emphasized that sports foster confidence, self-belief, and social inclusion among persons with intellectual disabilities and encouraged society to support such initiatives.
Dr. Ashwani Jojra and Ms. Pooja Malhotra thanked the MLA for her continued support, highlighting the athletes’ journey from the State Games to national selection. The athletes are expected to bring laurels to J&K and inspire future champions.