Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund from Odisha will represent India in the Men’s Singles SL-3 category at the World Abilitysport Youth Games in Turkey.
Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund have been selected to represent India in the upcoming World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026. The two athletes from Odisha will compete in the Men’s Singles SL-3 category at the international event.The World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026 is scheduled to be held in Turkey from June 18 to June 21, 2026. Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund will carry the hopes of Odisha and the entire country on the global stage.
Both athletes earned their places through strong performances at the national level. Their selection highlights the growing contribution of sports talent from Odisha in para-sports events at the international level.
Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund Aim for Strong PerformanceBibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund will take part in the Men’s Singles SL-3 category. This category is part of the competitive structure of the World Abilitysport Youth Games. The event brings together young athletes from different countries to compete in a spirit of fair play and excellence.The selection of these two athletes from Odisha adds to the growing list of Indian participants at major para-sports events. Their participation is expected to inspire many young athletes across the state and the nation.
Odisha has been supporting sports development in recent years. The selection of Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund shows the results of consistent efforts at state and national levels in identifying and nurturing talent.
What to Expect at the World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026
The games will run for four days from June 18 to June 21, 2026 in Turkey. Athletes like Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund will face competition from top young talents from around the world in their respective categories.Fans and sports enthusiasts in India, especially in Odisha, will follow the performance of the duo closely. Their participation brings attention to the hard work and dedication required to reach international platforms.
People across Odisha and India are sending best wishes to Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund. Their journey to Turkey represents an important moment for para-sports in the country.The successful selection of Bibhasindhu Barik and Akash Ranjan Mund is a positive development for Indian sports. It underlines the potential of athletes from Odisha on the world stage in the World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026.
2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games are taking place from 15–22 June 2026 in Mersin, Türkiye (coastal city on the Mediterranean).
This is a multi-sport event focused on young Para athletes with physical impairments, providing international competition experience, development opportunities, and a pathway toward events like the Paralympics (e.g., LA 2028 qualification for some). It follows the successful 2025 Beach Games in the same location.
Sports Programme
The final programme includes only three sports (others were withdrawn due to insufficient entries):
Para Badminton (U21)
Para Dance Sport (International Competition / Youth World Cup elements)
Para Fencing (U23 World Championships + Satellite Tournament)
Note: Earlier plans included sports like 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Para Athletics (field), Para Swimming, Para Sailing, and Adaptive Sepak Takraw, but these did not proceed due to entry numbers.
Approximate Schedule Overview
Arrivals: From ~15 June
Classification/Training/Tech Meetings: Mid-week
Competition days: Main action ~18–20 June
Opening Ceremony: Likely ~17 June
Closing Ceremony: ~21 June
Departures: ~22 June
