Vijay Goel promises support for para-athletes

New Delhi: Sports Minister Vijay Goel today said that the passing of the much-awaited Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) Bill, 2014 is just a "matter of time". He added that he would personally talk to the opposition to ensure its passage in Parliament if the need arises.

"We are very close to passing the bill in the Parliament. I will myself talk to the Parliamentary affairs minister and if need arises, with opposition too, and request them to pass the bill first and then debate on demonetisation," said Goel.

Speaking at a function to mark World Disability Day, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports today said the recent medal winning performance of Indian paralympians stands testimony to how "abled" and "deserving" they are.

"Indian paralympians Deepa Malik, Davendra Jhajharia, Mariyappan Thangavelu along with others have broken all boundaries. Their performance has put an end to all talk about limitations of any person," said Goel.

The minister urged the differently-abled present at the "Walk to Freedom" function to join any sport of their liking while promising full support on the government's part.

"If you play any sport and think you are good at it, come to me and the ministry will do all that it takes to train you," he said. BJP leader and MP Meenakshi Lekhi was also present at the event.

The event organised by National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), in partnership with American India Foundation (AIF), also featured a cultural program that included a mime show and dance performances by children among other acts.

"For us World Disability Day is no less than a festival. In fact, for us it's Diwali, Christmas, Eid all packed into one. I hope the celebrations become bigger and better with every passing year," said Javed Abidi, Founder and Honorary Director, NCPEDP.