Chennai, Aug 3:Indian Institute of Technology Madras and SBI Foundation have launched Phase 2 of their Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme, expanding the initiative to support 80 para-athletes across eight Paralympic disciplines. Phase 2 will strengthen India’s para-sports ecosystem by combining sustained financial assistance with scientific performance support. Mr. Swapan Dhar, Managing Director, SBI Foundation, said,“SBI Foundation, in partnership with IIT Madras, is launching Phase 2 of the Para‑Athletic Sports Scholarship to further strengthen India’s sports ecosystem. Through Phase 2, SBI Foundation will support para‑athletes as they prepare for upcoming global competitions, including the Asian Games and the Los Angeles Paralympic Games.” SCIENCE-BASED PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTA key feature of the programme is that support extends beyond the scholarship stipend.