Youth finishes run using IITM-developed wheelchair, enters Guinness Records

Kamal Kant Nayak from Odisha broke the previous record of Mario Trinidad who had covered 182.4 km in a wheelchair in Portugal in December 2007. 

Para athlete Kamal Kant Nayak. Image via Twitter

Para athlete Kamal Kant Nayak from Odisha entered the Guinness Book of World Records by completing 213-km run on a manual wheelchair in Bhubaneswar. The wheelchair, NeoFly, has been designed and developed by NeoMotion, an IIT Madras incubated start-up, and the institute’s TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2). 

He broke the previous record set by Mario Trinidad who had covered 182.4 km in a wheelchair at Villa Real Stadium in Portugal in December 2007. Sujatha Srinivasan, head of R2D2 said, “The wheelchair was designed for Kamal’s body to provide him the correct ergonomics and comfort. Selection of appropriate wheel size and centre of gravity location was done to ensure Kamal's energy was used efficiently during the long run.” Nayak trained on NeoFly for this record attempt for more than four years, with product refinements based on his feedback. A team from IIT Madras and NeoMotion was present at the event venue with technical support. 

The Sports and Youth Services department issued a statement which said Kamal Kanta Nayak has set a new record in the world and set an example for all athletes and youth through his dedication, concentration and hard work.  

CM congratulates para athlete on Twitter 

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Nayak on Twitter. He wrote, “Congratulate para-athlete from #Odisha, Kamalakanta Nayak on entering Guinness Book of World Records by covering maximum distance in 24 hours in a manual wheelchair. Your grit amidst all odds is an inspiration for others. Wish you all the best for future. #OdishaForSports” 

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