Delhi L-G appoints Asian Para Games gold medallist Suvarna Raj as state commissioner for PwDs

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has appointed Paralympian and Asian Para Games 2026 gold medallist Suvarna Raj as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the capital, officials said on Friday.

Raj was selected from a panel of three candidates recommended by a search-cum-selection committee constituted under the Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2018, an official statement said.

The selection process was initiated afresh in July after an earlier exercise, launched in 2024, concluded without the appointment of any candidate. The social welfare department received 18 applications for the post, the statement said.

An internal scrutiny committee examined the applications and found 15 of the 18 applicants eligible for further consideration, it said.

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The committee headed by the chief secretary met on August 20 and interacted with 13 eligible candidates, who were assessed on their qualifications, professional experience, understanding of the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, administrative experience and suitability for the post.

After deliberations, the committee unanimously recommended three candidates for consideration by the lieutenant governor. Suvarna’s name was finalised after Sandhu examined the committee’s meeting minutes and the records of the candidates, the statement said.

Suvarna clinched the gold in the women’s F54 discus throw at the Asian Para Games with a best effort of 15.66m at Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday.

A wheelchair user, she has represented India at three Asian Para Games and several international competitions and is ranked second in Asia in the F54 discus throw.

Her latest gold adds to an impressive international record. She won bronze in the women’s F54/55 discus throw at the Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026, held as the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championship.

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At the Canberra Track Meet in Australia in January, she won gold in discus throw and silver in shot put.

She also received the National Youth Award from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2015.

Beyond athletics, Suvarna works as an accessibility specialist and disability rights advocate, and has served as the Election Commission of India’s brand ambassador for accessible elections.

Under Section 79 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the state government appoints a state commissioner for PwDs.

The Delhi rules provide for the appointment on a full-time basis for three years from the date of assuming office or until the appointee turns 65, whichever is earlier, subject to the applicable tenure provisions, the statement said.

The commissioner is responsible for matters relating to the implementation of safeguards and rights provided to persons with disabilities under the law, it added.