India President Droupadi Murmu confers Shreshth Divyangjan Award on Ranveer Singh Saini 

New Delhi, December 3, 2024: In a proud moment for India and Haryana, celebrated golfer Ranveer Singh Saini was conferred with the esteemed Shreshth Divyangjan Award by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at a glittering ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, today.

The award, presented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, recognizes Saini’s unparalleled achievements in sports and his inspirational contributions to the disability community.

Ranveer Singh Saini, who has a 50% intellectual disability, is the only individual from Haryana with intellectual disabilities to receive this national honor. Known for his groundbreaking accomplishments, Saini made history as the first Indian to win a gold medal in golf at the World Special Olympics Games 2015 in Los Angeles.

He continued to shine on the global stage, securing a silver medal at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi and another gold at the 2023 World Games in Berlin.

The ceremony celebrated not only Saini’s sporting success but also his role as a beacon of hope for millions. With an illustrious career that includes 11 national championships and five Asia Pacific titles, Saini has previously been honored with prestigious accolades such as the Bhim Award and the Khel Gaurav Puraskar by the Haryana Government. His remarkable journey has also been chronicled in the Limca Book of Records, where he holds seven entries, and his contributions to the Special Olympics earned him the title of “Flame Keeper” at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field Stadium.

Speaking on the occasion, Saini expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to inspiring others. “This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who believed in me, my coaches, family, and the disability community that I proudly represent,” he said.

The event included a series of tributes to Saini’s legacy. Videos showcased his journey from overcoming challenges stemming from his intellectual disability to becoming a global ambassador for inclusion and excellence. Saini has also played an influential role beyond sports, frequently addressing schools, colleges, and corporate audiences to share his story of perseverance and success. His efforts were previously acknowledged by the Prime Minister of India during the widely admired “Mann Ki Baat” program.

The Shreshth Divyangjan Award highlights Saini’s enduring impact on fostering greater awareness and empowerment for persons with disabilities. His achievements exemplify resilience and excellence, proving that barriers can be broken with determination and support. The day’s ceremony not only celebrated his achievements but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing talent across all spectrums.

Saini’s story continues to inspire millions, marking a milestone not just for Indian sports but for the nation’s progressive efforts toward empowerment and equality.

The ceremony also recognized other remarkable individuals and organizations. Himani Bundela was honored for her groundbreaking contributions to education and advocacy despite visual impairment, while Tinkesh received recognition for his innovations in promoting accessibility for individuals with locomotor disabilities.

Kanika Agarwal was celebrated for her dedication to creating inclusive spaces for those with hearing impairments. Among the institutional awardees, Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation stood out for its impactful work in comprehensive rehabilitation and skill development for persons with disabilities.

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