The South Zone Regional Abilympics and Conference 2025, organised by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) in collaboration with Sarthak Educational Trust on June 20–21 at IIT Madras, is expected to welcome over 300 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from across 6 southern states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. R.N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, will be the Chief Guest.
Under the national theme — “Road to Finland 2027: Empowering Skills, Enabling Inclusion” — the event will feature vocational skill competitions in over 30 categories, including 15 newly introduced trades like Baking, Hairdressing, Fashion Technology, Hotel Reception, Childcare, and Massage Therapy. These additions reflect emerging employment opportunities and are aimed at expanding livelihood prospects for the disabled community.
Part of a larger nationwide initiative leading up to the 11th International Abilympics in Finland (2027), the South Zone edition will feature vocational skill competitions in over 30 categories—including 15 newly introduced. These categories reflect the shifting employment landscape and are designed to boost the employability and economic independence of PwDs. The event captures the spirit of the nationwide movement to promote skill-based empowerment and global representation for Persons with Disabilities.
A major highlight on Day 1 is the Inclusive Job Fair, where top corporates will directly engage with skilled PwD candidates. “This job fair isn’t just about placement—it’s about potential,” said Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General of NAAI and Founder & CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust.
“We’re not just showcasing skills—we’re mapping them to real jobs, shifting the narrative from charity to capability, from sympathy to strategy. From focused skills to job mapping and live recruitment, this platform is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for dignity, employment, and pride as it builds pathways to real careers and an inclusive workforce”.
The two-day Regional Abilympics & Conference 2025 in Chennai will feature a powerful lineup of panels focused on innovation, policy, partnerships, and lived experiences. The event in Chennai promises two impactful days of dialogue, innovation, and inspiration. On Day 1 (June 20), the focus will be on assistive technologies, inclusive policies, corporate leadership, and real-life stories of PwD achievers—highlighting how collaboration across sectors can drive meaningful change.
Day 2 (June 21) will shift to building a future-ready skilling ecosystem, with NGOs, mentors, and partners sharing insights on preparing Persons with Disabilities for national and international platforms like Abilympics Finland 2027. Together, the sessions will spotlight the power of skills, inclusion, and resilience in transforming lives.
Following Chennai, NAAI will continue its zonal outreach with a series of regional events across India. The West Zone competition will be held on July 4–5 at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai, followed by the North Zone on August 1–2 at the Atal Convention Centre, Lucknow, and the East & Northeast Zone on August 22–23 at Kalakshetra, Guwahati. Winners from each zone will qualify for the National Abilympics to be held on 14-15 November 2025 at GRC Gurugram, where the best talents will be selected to represent Team India at the 11th International Abilympics in Finland in 2027—putting India’s inclusive skill power on the global map.
For More information and registration visit – www.abilympicsindia.org
