The Indian Blind Sports Association in partnership with the Voice of World organized the first-ever Eastern Region Coaching Camp for Visually Impaired Female Athletes. It was conducted from 21 – 25 March 2022 at the Parnashree Govt. Housing Quarters Ground, Kolkata.

At the inauguration ceremony, Revered Khokon Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Smt. Sanchita Mitra – Local Councillor, Shri Subrata Shankar Ghosh – President of West Bengal Luxury Taxi Association, Ms. Gargi Gupta – Founder of ‘Voice of World’ and various other dignitaries were present. The visually challenged students of Voice of World showcased their musical talents in a small cultural programme. The Coaching Camp was formally inaugurated by Revered Khokon Maharaj through chanting of Sanskrit Shlokas after the dignitaries lighted the auspicious lamp.

About 25 visually impaired female athletes from West Bengal, Jharkhand & Bihar participated in the residential Coaching Camp. The camp offered training in sports events like races of 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m, javelin throw, shot put, discus throw and long jump. During the training program, all athletes were educated on blind sports rules and regulations as per the International Blind Sports Federation. The camp was guided by the able mentorship of Mr. Sudhir Rana, a paralympics international coach, and Mr. Ramashray Ram, former Instructor – Orientation & Mobility of the Blind Relief Association.

At the closing ceremony, Smt. Ratna Chatterjee, MLA, West Bengal; Smt.Sanchita Mitra, Councilor, Kolkata Municipal; Mr. Subrata Shanker Ghosh, President, Kolkata Luxury Taxi Association, Smt. Gargi Gupta, Founder Secretary Voice of World and Mr. David, Hony. General Secretary IBSA & Chairman Asian Region International Blind Sports Federation were present. Along with the certificates, the participants were provided with kit bag, T-shirts, track suit, and yoga mat.