The programme, which is being run in association with Ageas Federal Life Insurance (AFLI), will see India's first Para badminton academy converted into a state-of-the-art centre, it is claimed.

It will also seek to discover and nurture new talent for the 2028 and 2032 Paralympics.

"India has produced several Para champions but they could never train in a professional set up," said the country's head coach Gaurav Khanna, as reported by Times of India.

"Since 2015, I have been doing whatever I can at makeshift, rental venues.

"Thanks to Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we have managed to create a world-class facility for Para badminton players."

It is said that the revamped facility will offer qualified coaches, physiotherapists, physical trainers, nutritionists and other support staff to the players.

"Apart from backing several marathons, we have supported badminton at the grassroots level in a big way," said AFLI chief marketing officer Karthik Raman.

"I am also planning to start a coaches' excellence programme as I want other coaches to understand the intricacies of Para badminton.

"I am preparing the draft syllabus and aiming to train several coaches in the country so that we become a major force in the sport."

Badminton made its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and India won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal to place fourth on the sport's overall medals table.

Pramod Bhagat and Krishna Nagar secured the two gold medals in the men's SL3 and SH6 singles, respectively.