India has been shining at a range of para sporting championships around the world for the past few years. From winning several medals at the World Para Athletics Championships last year in Paris, to making us proud at events such as the recently concluded para athletics championship at Kobe, Japan, to world wheelchair fencing championships in Thailand, Indians have been at the top of their game recently. If you love sports and want to play, here are some games you can learn on a wheelchair.

Badminton

India’s winter love, badminton has risen to exciting levels over the past few years in the country. It’s quite competitive, which is perfect for any ambitious athlete to get into. It debuted as a paralympic sport in 2020. There are different classes or categories you can qualify for depending on your mobility-reducing condition.

Fencing

This fun sport is known for its swiftness, dexterity and charm, and has been part of para sports since 1960. Wheelchairs are fastened to a spot from where players wield their sabers and win games. Exciting and dynamic, the sport has three classifications or categories based on the level of disability in players. Wheelchair fencing is quite popular in India, having been around for over a decade, so if you always dreamed of yelling touché with a sword in your hand, this is your chance.

Cricket

Wheelchair cricket, like regular cricket, is a big deal in India, with a national team in place and academies around the country where you can learn the game. It’s open for both men and women so if you’re a cricket enthusiast and always dreamed of playing for the country or a league team, this is a good option. Typically, a softer ball is used to reduce the risk of injury, and the bat is lighter for easier handling by players with limited dexterity. The size of the pitch and field is also adjusted to wheelchair users. 

Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is yet another para sport that’s hugely popular in India. The Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India is the regulatory authority and its teams represent India around the world. Around since the 1940s, wheelchair basketball is pretty competitive and its rules have been modified to suit wheelchair users. For example, if you touch the wheels of your wheelchair twice with the ball in your possession, it counts as travelling. The height of the hoop and the size of the court is as in standard basketball. Wheelchairs are specifically designed to suit game of basketball.