Paralympic silver medallist Ajeet Singh has begun an overseas training stint in Offenburg, Germany, until September 16. | Photo Credit: PTI

The Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved extended overseas training stints for Paralympic silver medallists Ajeet Singh and Pranav Soorma at a total cost of Rs. 35.46 lakh to bolster their preparations for this year’s Asian Para Games in Japan.

Javelin thrower Ajeet, 32, has travelled to Offenburg, Germany, where he will train until September 16. Club thrower Pranav is in Czechia for a training camp that runs until August 15.

Both athletes are part of the government’s flagship Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group.

Pranav, who became wheelchair-bound after suffering a spinal injury in an accident at home, won gold at the previous Asian Para Games and is currently the world No. 1 in the F51 category.

The MOC, headed by N.S. Johal, has sanctioned Rs. 23.14 lakh for Pranav’s training programme, during which he will also compete at the Polish Championship, Czech Championship, Slovakia Championship and the Ostrava League to gain international exposure and improve his world ranking.

Ajeet, from Uttar Pradesh, lost his left arm in a train accident while trying to save a friend. He won bronze at the previous Asian Para Games and had been training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Both athletes are accompanied by their coaches. In Pranav’s case, his father, Sanjeev Soorma, is also travelling as his escort. Sanjeev quit his job to support his son’s sporting career. Away from athletics, Pranav works as a banker.

Published on Jun 25, 2026