Chandigarh, October 23, 2026: The Tony Bhinder Para and Wheelchair Sports India Foundation was launched here on Friday to help wheelchair cricketers and other para-sportspersons translate their sporting achievements into sustainable livelihoods, financial independence and a life of dignity. On the occasion, EmPower NGO, which has been working with children with special needs since 2015, was also relaunched, reaffirming its commitment to special education and inclusion.
Launched by Sharmita Bhinder along with her family, the foundation aims to bring together government agencies, NGOs, corporate entities, philanthropists and concerned citizens to facilitate employment, improve living conditions and provide long-term support to wheelchair cricketers who have represented India and won national and international honours but continue to face financial and accommodation-related challenges.
“The idea is to ensure that wheelchair cricketers do not have to struggle for basic necessities despite bringing laurels to the country. True empowerment means having a livelihood, financial independence and the ability to live with dignity,” said Sharmita Bhinder, who has worked in special education for children for the past 20 years.
Lt Col AS Bhinder (Retd.) said the foundation would focus on creating lasting opportunities beyond the playing field, while Veer Singh Sandhu, President of the Wheelchair Sports Society and captain of the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team, emphasised that players must have a direct role in shaping the foundation’s priorities and programmes.
The foundation will work towards mobilising resources, facilitating employment, improving access to accommodation and enabling experienced players to train and mentor the next generation of para-sportspersons. Its management will include wheelchair cricketers, social workers and members of the wider community.
In collaboration with Sandhu and the Wheelchair Sports Society, Sharmita Bhinder has supported wheelchair cricketers through financial assistance, food and accommodation, tournament organisation and efforts to engage the government on players’ housing concerns. The foundation also seeks to honour the legacy of her late husband, Baljit Singh Bhinder, who passed away during the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021 and consistently encouraged her philanthropic work.
Sharmita Bhinder, who has recently gone into remission after battling breast cancer, remains committed to advancing social causes and promoting inclusion. Wheel chair samples were donated today and wheelchairs for the whole team will be donated soon.
Lt Col AS Bhinder has served in the Indian Army, with his unit, the Second Sikh Regiment, receiving the President’s Colours. He has also served as Sarpanch of Kot Dalpat village in Dera Baba Nanak and held leadership positions in ex-servicemen and residents’ organisations. Sandhu, associated with wheelchair cricket since 2015, has represented India in international tournaments and worked to advance accessibility, equal opportunities and disability rights through sport.
Jasmanpreet Singh, Senior Deputy Mayor, attended the launch as chief guest. Madhavi Kataria, Disability Commissioner, SCPD; Sukhdeep Singh Jhazz, Deputy Director, Social Welfare, Punjab; and Col Daljeet Cheema, author, writer and professor, were among the guests of honour.
Special child Vaibhav Singh performed Ganesh Vandana .
Members of Empower
Neelam Khokha, Pooja Gupta, Radha sinha and Tarvinder Kaur Neepa Arora Suchi Singh Angad Singh. Nishaant Singh bhinder and Manav Singh bhinder sons of Tony and Sharmita Bhinder were also present .
The Wheel chair cricketers:
Sandeep kundu
Rajesh Kumar
Sukhwant Singh were also present
