Mysuru, October 4, 2026: In a landmark step towards inclusive sports, YASHAS Para Sports Academy (R) and Affectionate Hands are jointly facilitating the participation of visually impaired cyclists Hemanth HKM and Swetha T, along with their tandem Captains Mohammed Suhaib and Bharath, in the 20 km category of L’Étape Mysuru by Tour de France 2026.
The prestigious event is organised by NEB Sports and Tour de France, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka.
This joint initiative by YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Affectionate Hands aims to create opportunities for visually impaired athletes to participate in mainstream sporting platforms and experience competitive cycling alongside other participants.
Both Hemanth and Swetha, along with their Captains Mohammed Suhaib and Bharath, have been training regularly at Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, covering approximately 25–30 km every Sunday. Tandem cycling requires a high level of trust, coordination, communication and teamwork between the visually impaired cyclist and the Captain.
Hemanth HKM – An Experienced Endurance Athlete
Hemanth HKM, a visually impaired athlete associated with YASHAS Para Sports Academy, has considerable experience in long-distance running. He has successfully completed 4 full marathons, 7 half marathons, 21 10K races and 3 5K races, covering more than 500 kilometres in organised running events.
His participation in L’Étape Mysuru 2026 marks another step in his sporting journey as he explores tandem cycling alongside his established experience in endurance running.
Swetha T – State-Level Para Athletics Medallist
Swetha T, also a visually impaired athlete, has demonstrated her abilities in para athletics. At the 34th State Para Athletics Championship 2026, Karnataka, in the visually impaired category, she won a Silver Medal in the 400 metres and a Bronze Medal in Shot Put.
Her participation in L’Étape Mysuru represents an opportunity to expand her sporting experience from athletics into tandem cycling and to encourage other visually impaired athletes to explore different sporting disciplines.
YASHAS Para Sports Academy – Creating Pathways in Para Sports
YASHAS Para Sports Academy (R) is working to identify, train and support visually impaired and para athletes by providing regular training opportunities and helping them progress towards higher levels of sport.
The Academy is currently focusing on Goalball, swimming for visually impaired athletes, tandem cycling and athletics, along with other sports training sessions and inclusive sporting activities. Through continuous training, participation in competitions and community-based sporting programmes, YASHAS aims to create pathways for visually impaired athletes to progress towards state, national and international-level para-sports opportunities.
The Academy also works to connect athletes with trained volunteers, Captains and supporters so that visually impaired athletes can participate safely and confidently in sporting activities.
Affectionate Hands – Supporting Inclusive Initiatives
Mohammed Suhaib, Founder of Affectionate Hands, has won four International Awards for his short documentary on the graffiti clean-up at Dhanushkodi Rock, Melukote, and has also been honoured with the Visionary Leadership Award for setting up libraries at Melukote.
Passionate about inclusion, Mohammed Suhaib has been supporting visually impaired champions for the past four years by running alongside them in marathons, taking them trekking and participating in various inclusive activities with YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Guide Runners India.
Through tandem cycling and other inclusive sporting initiatives, both organisations aim to encourage more young people to come forward, volunteer and support athletes with disabilities.
Acknowledgement
YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Affectionate Hands sincerely thank Reet D’Souza from NEB sports, Manjunath nagaraj, Meera ashok and Dr. Bhumika Patel, Founder of Guide Runners India, and members for their constant support, encouragement and contribution towards inclusive sporting initiatives.
The organisations believe that opportunities such as tandem cycling can help visually impaired athletes gain confidence, experience and exposure while opening pathways towards participation in state, national and international sporting competitions.
About the Organizations
YASHAS Para Sports Academy (R) is a para-sports organisation committed to identifying, training and supporting athletes with disabilities. The Academy conducts and supports training in Goalball, swimming for visually impaired athletes, tandem cycling, athletics and other sports, with the aim of creating pathways for athletes to pursue their sporting ambitions and Paralympic dreams.
Affectionate Hands is a youth-driven organisation working towards social impact, inclusion and heritage conservation, while actively supporting initiatives that bring communities together and create opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Together, YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Affectionate Hands are working to demonstrate that with the right support, training and opportunities, visually impaired athletes can confidently participate in mainstream sporting events and inspire the next generation.
