Kiren Rijiju and Baichung Bhutia dive for 'OP-Blue Freedom'

In the first-of-its-kind initiative in Asia, eight armed forces veterans – including members of elite special forces of PARA regiment and MARCO, have initiated a high-end adventure sports, survival training and self-defence mission at pan India level as part of their parent project – Special Forces Adventures. Titled 'Op-Blue Freedom', it is a nation-wide Adaptive Scuba Diving Programme offered for people with disabilities and the able bodied for making them feel alike.

Each individual instructor (Army Special Forces – Para Commandos and the MARCO's – Navy Marine Commandos) holds decades of experience in Adventure, Survival and Combat.

The project initiated after a group of veterans planned to carry the project as a multicity tour across India. With the 'Chandigarh Spinal Rehab', the team recently dived at SPM Swimming Pool Complex, Talkatora Garden hosting the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Kiren Rijiju and Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia as a flag-off dive for the Delhi-NCT leg of the Op-Blue Freedom.

Nine disabled humans dived with the team post off-water detailed briefing by the instructors. The dive sessions are kept open from August 22 – 25, daily from 9 am – 5pm for the abled Civil lives as well.

Speaking at the flag-off dive, Kiren Rijiju, said, "I feel happy to be a part of this event with the team SFA.These sort of activities certainly spike up human morale and self-esteem overall to make them feel self-sufficient. Alongside, if the disabled community imbibes the skill sets that is being imparted by the team, I believe it will be helpful for them to generate legit work opportunities and have a better future. Undoubtedly, it's a commendable endeavor and, we all must partake generously to scale it further," added Rijiju.