KHEDA, GUJARAT | 24th JANUARY 2026 — Usha, one of India’s most respected consumer brands with a strong commitment to community engagement and inclusive sports, supported the International Kite Festival (IKF) celebrations at Sri Vadilal S Gandhi Charitable Trust, Sharda Sankul, Kapadvanj, Kheda, Gujarat. The event was organised by the Blind Peoples Association (BPA) in association with the International Kite Club for Disabled (IKCD), as part of Gujarat’s state-wide International Kite Festival celebrations and brought together international and Indian kite flyers, persons with disabilities, community members and partners on a single, vibrant platform. Activities such as these go a long way in promoting hand-leg-eye-headcoordination and cognitive development positively impacting their overall well-being.
The Kheda chapter of the International Kite Festival forms part of the larger IKF celebrations that took place across Gujarat, which are rooted in the cultural tradition of Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. The festival showcased international and national kite flyers, conducted kite-making workshops, folk music and cultural performances, celebrating Gujarat’s rich heritage while creating a joyful, inclusive sporting environment.
The kite-flying competitions and demonstrations celebrated exceptional skill and spirit, with Mr Paavan Solanki (International Kites), Mr Ranjit Singh Gohil (President, International Kite Club for Disabled), and Mr Chandu Bhai Bhati (Disabled and Senior Citizen Kite Flyer) emerging as the standout performers of the event. All participants received participation certificates, while merit certificates were awarded to those who demonstrated outstanding talent and dedication.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations, Usha International, said, “The International Kite Festival at Kheda is an encapsulation of Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage interwoven with the spirit of inclusive sport and community. Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Uttarayan that marks the end of winter with the sun moving to the northern hemisphere and the need for everyone to go out and soak some sun to boost Vitamin D, the festival is actually rooted in science and celebrated in a joyous manner. At Usha, we are committed to nurturing inclusive communities where heritage sport and cultural expression, especially sports like these that serve a purpose way beyond just the activity, connecting people, preserving traditions, and empowering individuals through shared experiences.”
The event witnessed participation from over 200 individuals, including persons with disabilities, international kite flyers, coaches, Usha employees, and channel partners. Special kite-flying demonstrations by more than 150 differently abled participants highlighted the spirit of inclusion, skill and determination, while performances by international kite flyers, including Mr Paavan Solanki, added to the visual and competitive excitement of the day.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of key dignitaries including Mr Maheshbhai Patel, District Child Protection Officer, Nadiad; Mr Gopalbhai Shah, Former Municipal President, Kapadvanj; Mr Himanshubhai Shah, Social Leader, Kapadvanj; and Dr Harish HKundalia, Secretary, Shri VS Gandhi Charitable Trust.
The event was also attended by Mr Ranjit Singh Gohil, President, International Kite Club for Disabled; and Mr Bharat Joshi, Blind Peoples Association; along with senior officials from Usha International (Ahmedabad), including Mr Vishal Dhaka, General Manager; Mr Atul Kumar Jain, Assistant General Manager; and Mr Deepak Sharma, Department Manager, as well as key trade partners.
With its support for the International Kite Festival at Kheda, Usha reinforced its commitment to inclusive sports and community-centric cultural platforms that bring together people across abilities, ages and backgrounds. The association aligns with Usha’s wider focus on promoting sports and cultural engagement across India, encouraging participation, confidence-building and social integration through diverse sporting and heritage-based initiatives that includes its association with the Mumbai Indians franchise, Ultimate Flying Disc, Golf, Cricket for the specially abled, sports for the visually challenged – athletics, kabaddi, judo and powerlifting – as well as regional disciplines such as Kalari, Mallakhamb, Siat Khnam, Thang-Ta, Saz-Loung and Satoliya (Pithu).
For more information, visit www.ushaplay.com, and follow @UshaPlay on Twitter, @usha_play on Instagram and Usha Play on Facebook.
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