International Para Athletes Gear Up for Khelo India Games
The Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) is set to return to New Delhi from March 20-27, 2025, featuring over 1,230 para athletes from around the globe. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced that this second edition will showcase competitors in six disciplines, including many medalists from the recent Paris Paralympics and the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. The event aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of para athletes and promote inclusivity in sports.
Event Details and Schedule
The Khelo India Para Games will take place at various prestigious venues in New Delhi. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host events for para athletics, para archery, and para powerlifting from March 21 to 26. Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex will feature para badminton and para table tennis competitions from March 20 to 27. The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range will be the site for para shooting events, scheduled from March 21 to 25. This structured schedule ensures that athletes have ample opportunity to compete and showcase their skills across different sports.
Highlighting Talented Athletes
Among the notable participants are gold medalists Harvinder Singh in archery, Dharambir in club throw, and Praveen Kumar in high jump. These athletes are part of a larger contingent that contributed to India’s impressive medal tally of 29 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, including seven gold medals. The Khelo India initiative aims to foster talent and provide a platform for athletes to excel, with 25 Khelo India athletes being part of the 84-member Indian team at the recent Paralympics, five of whom returned with medals.
Government Support for Para Sports
The Indian government is prioritizing para sports, with 52 para athletes included in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics cycle. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the inspirational journey of para athletes, stating that their determination serves as a motivation for all sportspeople. The Khelo India Para Games not only celebrate athletic excellence but also aim to inspire future generations to pursue sports, regardless of challenges.
The Khelo India Para Games is part of a broader mission to provide a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills. Following the success of the first edition held in December 2023, this upcoming event promises to further elevate the profile of para sports in India and encourage greater participation and recognition.
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