IIT Madras, SBI Foundation Launch Phase 2 of Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Program

Expanding their landmark initiative to bolster India’s adaptive sports landscape, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the SBI Foundation have officially launched Phase 2 of the Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Program.

The second phase significantly broadens the scope of the program, extending holistic support to 80 elite para-athletes—40 men and 40 women—competing across eight Paralympic disciplines. Applications are open online through August 9, 2026.

Key Highlights of Phase 2

Monthly Stipend: Shortlisted candidates will receive a financial grant of ₹40,000 per month for 12 months.
Equal Gender Distribution: The cohort includes 40 male and 40 female para-athletes.
Discipline Coverage: Athletics, Badminton, Powerlifting, Shooting, Archery, Judo, Taekwondo, and Swimming.
Scientific Edge: Advanced human performance evaluations and individualized nutritional mapping via Acrophase, the Centre of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras.
Deadline: Applications close on August 9, 2026 via the portal sbif-ace-pass.sbifoundation.info.

Combining Financial Relief with Cutting-Edge Sports Science

Selected athletes will gain far more than financial assistance. While the stipend offsets training overheads, equipment costs, travel, and coaching fees, the core differentiator remains the scientific backing.

Acrophase, IIT Madras’ specialized research facility, will conduct biomechanical performance tests, physical profiling, and tailored sports nutrition plans throughout the year-long sponsorship. This approach aims to prepare contenders for upcoming high-stakes multi-sport tournaments, including the Asian Para Games and the Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

Highlighting the program’s core philosophy, Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of Acrophase at IIT Madras, noted that sporting excellence must remain inclusive and accessible to every athlete regardless of background. He emphasized that Phase 2 brings world-class sports science directly to athletes through bio-assessments and nutritional strategies, serving as a long-term investment in India’s sporting future.

Adding to this vision, Mr. Swapan Dhar, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, stated that the partnership seeks to reinforce the national sports framework, providing athletes with a solid platform as they train for major international forums.

Proven Success from Phase 1

The decision to scale up stems directly from the remarkable outcomes achieved during the inaugural phase launched in 2025. Phase 1 nurtured a smaller group of 26 para-athletes who went on to secure a total of 70 medals in national and international events—comprising 32 gold, 22 silver, and 16 bronze medals.

This high conversion rate proved the effectiveness of combining structured stipends with modern sports science assessments, laying the groundwork for expanding to 80 recipients.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To qualify for Phase 2 consideration, applicants must fulfill specific conditions set by the governing committee:

Age & Citizenship: Applicants must hold Indian citizenship and be up to 35 years of age on the date of application.
Competitive Track Record: Candidates must have represented their state or nation in recognized national or international competitions.
Application Window: Registrations are being processed through sbif-ace-pass.sbifoundation.info until August 9, 2026.

IIT Madras is managing end-to-end administration, from setting up the technological infrastructure for candidate evaluation to post-selection performance tracking over the one-year scholarship tenure.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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