Here is a rewritten, human-style version of the news story, written straight out of Dehradun:

"World-Class" Facilities Under Fire: Para-Athletes Carried Up Stairs at Dehradun Shooting Range

DEHRADUN — Uttarakhand’s assertions of building world-class sports infrastructure have come under heavy scrutiny following reports that athletes with disabilities were denied basic accessible facilities during a national competition in Dehradun.

The incident has ignited a heated debate across the state, further intensified by a controversial remark from state Sports Minister Rekha Arya, who reportedly stated that "disabled athletes are not part of our sports policy."

Broken Elevator Forces Families to Carry Athletes

The glaring lack of accessibility came to light during the National Shooting Championship at the Trishul Shooting Range, located inside the Maharana Pratap Sports College campus. The tournament, which kicked off on July 13, runs through July 30.

  • Lift Out of Service: The primary elevator needed to reach the first-floor competition hall was completely broken.

  • No Ramps Built: With no ramps or alternative options available, family members and companions were forced to carry wheelchair-bound and disabled athletes up the stairs in their arms so they could participate.

"It is deeply distressing to see national-level competitors being carried up stairs on someone’s shoulders just to reach their event. These athletes travel here to represent their state and country, but being treated like an afterthought completely undermines their dignity."

— Parent of a competing para-athlete

Questions Over Public Spending & Planning

The failure has raised sharp questions about how state funds were spent ahead of the 38th National Games, during which substantial taxpayer money was poured into upgrading stadiums, shooting ranges, and sporting venues. Parents and sports advocates argue that any facility claiming to be "modern" or "world-class" must guarantee dignified, equal access for all athletes by default.

Congress Lashes Out at State Government

The Sports Minister's reported statement that para-athletes fall outside the state's official sports policy has drawn fierce backlash from sports groups and political opponents:

  • Unacceptable Policy Stance: Opposition leaders slammed the remark, questioning how the state could celebrate Indian para-athletes' achievements on international stages while constructing major facilities that physically exclude them back home.

  • Failure of Inclusivity: Congress state spokesperson Pratima Singh labeled the minister's statement unacceptable, pointing out that failing to provide basic accessibility contradicts the government's own promises of inclusive development ('Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas').

With the tournament still underway, pressure is mounting on state authorities to fix the venue's accessibility issues immediately and review policy guidelines for future sports infrastructure projects.