SJS Foundation Backs Manikandan Kumar’s 2026 Para Climbing Campaign
20 August 2026: As per a LinkedIn post announcement by SJS Foundation, it has entered into a Letter of Association with Manikandan Kumar, a Para Athlete, to support his participation in the Para Climbing World Cup 2026.
What does the SJS Foundation agreement cover ?
The post stated “This association reflects our commitment to inclusive sports, equal opportunities and supporting athletes in pursuing their dreams beyond barriers. Manikandan Kumar’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience and the power of believing in oneself. His pursuit of excellence on the global stage is truly inspiring. At SJS Foundation, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, compete with confidence and achieve their aspirations. We are honoured to support Manikandan in his journey and wish him the very best for the Para Climbing World Cup 2026.”
SJS Foundation supports Manikandan Kumar after a 2026 World Climbing appearance
Kumar competed at the World Climbing Para Series Innsbruck 2026, held in Austria on 15 and 16 June. His official World Climbing athlete profile records a sixth-place finish at the event. The profile also confirms the result that established his place in Indian climbing history: Kumar won the IFSC Para Climbing World Championship in Paris on 16 September 2012. He has remained active on the international circuit since then, with podium finishes at World Cups and World Championships across Europe and USA.
Who is Manikandan Kumar ?
Kumar was born in Bengaluru in 1986 and contracted polio in his right leg at age five, according to his official website. He found climbing at a school adventure camp when he was 16, then won a national competition’s Best Climber award the following year while competing against non-disabled athletes. His website’s achievement lists 23 international podium finishes through the 2025 season: 18 at World Cups and five at World Championships. World Climbing records include gold at the 2012 world championship, silver at the 2025 world championship in Seoul and World Cup victories in Arco and Innsbruck in 2024 and Laval in 2025.
Why does Los Angeles 2028 matter ?
His ultimate goal is to win Gold at the Los Angeles 2028 (LA 2028) Paralympic Games – and in Brisbane 2032 and beyond. The training and competition travel cost of reaching LA 2028 is estimated to total around $100,000. Kumar is currently seeking sponsors and donors to help him achieve his goal.
What is Kumar doing for climbing in India ?
Outside competition, Kumar says he founded Bangalore Boulder in 2020. The Bengaluru gym and coaching initiative aims to introduce more people to bouldering and train new climbers, giving his campaign a local role alongside its international sporting target.
FAQs ….
How did Manikandan Kumar perform in Innsbruck in 2026 ?
World Climbing’s athlete profile records Kumar in sixth place at the World Climbing Para Series Innsbruck, held on 15 and 16 June 2026.
