Haldia (WB), June 22: Eight blind athletes will represent India in the 12-day World Blind Athletics Competition to be held in Quebec in Canada from August one. Four of the eight Indian competitors belonged to the Chaitnyapur Vivekananda Mission Blind School (CVBMS), while three are from New Delhi and one from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, secretary, CVBMS , Swami Viswanathananda, said here today. The participants completed their preparatory training at a camp jointly organised by the Indian Blind Sports Association, Indian Olympic Association and Sports Authority of India, in Delhi, Viswananthanada said The CVBMS students - Sulekha Das, Manssaram Hasnda, Sakhira Khatun and Bimal Murmu - will participate in 100, 200, 400 and 800 metres race with the help of co-runner which is allowed in the competition. The co-runner is allowed in the competition so that the blind participants do not miss the track. Viswanathananda appealed to the corporate and industrial houses to financially help the blind competitors to bear the cost of their expenses during the international event.

Bureau Report