Delhi is marking a significant chapter in Indian sports history by hosting the inaugural Khelo India Para Games, inaugurated by Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Anurag Thakur, at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall within the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Scheduled from December 10 to December 17, this multi-sport event is a platform for over 1400 para-athletes from 32 states and Union Territories competing across seven sports disciplines.
The Khelo India Para Games debut with an impressive lineup of sports including athletics, shooting, archery, football, badminton, and table tennis. Three key venues have been chosen to host the games: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and Karni Singh Shooting Range.
Notable athletes present at the inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of notable para-athletes like Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, and Pramod Bhagat, alongside captivating performances. The Delhi Police band set the stage with a grand performance, followed by an energetic display by dance artists from the ‘We Are One’ group, performing to the beats of ‘Mitti Mein Mil Jawa’ and ‘Vande Mataram.’
Reflecting on the recent achievements of Indian para-athletes, their exceptional performances at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, stood out with an impressive medal tally of 111 – 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze medals, marking India’s best-ever performance at the continental level. Additionally, the team secured three world records, including two in Javelin throw, showcasing their remarkable prowess.
Moreover, at the Tokyo Paralympics, the Indian contingent’s outstanding display earned 19 medals – 5 golds, 8 silvers, and 6 bronzes, a significant leap from the nation’s previous total of 12 medals throughout its Paralympic history. This progress indicates the upward trajectory of para-sports in India, with the Khelo India Para Games poised to further nurture and exhibit talent on a national platform.
