Category: Khelo India

by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India has brought in a fierce competitive spirit among young athletes: Ankushita

Guwahati, 12th February 2024; As Assam gears up to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023, from February 19, former youth world boxing champion Ankushita Boro is optimistic about the prospects of state’s young athletes gaining a lot of exposure from the marque tournament.

Ankushita, who pocketed the gold medal when Assam last hosted the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in 2020, rated her performance as a career-changing one, especially after experiencing a dip in performance following her 2017 youth world crown.

“I will always remember the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati, where I picked the gold medal, it was sort of a fresh start for me in terms of performance. From my personal experience, I can say that the Khelo India platform has brought in a fierce competitive spirit right from the under-18 days,” she said.

“I’m sure this edition of the Khelo India University Games will be no different. There will be almost 4,500 athletes from across 200 universities battling for glory. There will be mouthwatering inter-university rivalries, inter-state face-offs (athletes of one state facing off against each other’s universities), which will make it all the more exciting,” she added.

Ankushita, one of the beneficiaries of the government’s Integrated Sports Policy, was last year appointed in Class III post under the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare after returning with a gold medal from the 36th National Games in Gujarat. 

Appreciating the state government’s commitment for sports, the ace pugilist said, “The government has been very supportive for sportspersons, and has walked the talk when it comes to providing jobs under the policy. This has encouraged players from less privileged families to dream about a career in sports for a secured future.”

Ankushita, who hails from Meghai Jarani village in Sonitpur district, also spoke highly of the support received at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Golaghat during her early days. “There are a number of athletes from SAI Golaghat, who have brought laurels to the state and the country. I will forever be grateful to the centre for shaping my career during my formative years.”

Expressing her confidence in the successful conduct of the forthcoming Khelo India University Games, Ankushita said that previous experiences of hosting such big ticket events successfully will make the job easier.

“Assam has successfully hosted such big-ticket events in the past, and this time, I am sure the state government will be committed to make it even better. If we speak of the sports infrastructure in Assam, we are in no way less than any sporting powerhouses of the country.”

“The recently launched National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon is a world class facility for badminton players, for boxers we have a number of great training facilities across the city, and the state in general. For other sports too, the infrastructure is equally good, and hosting such events will further boost it,” she cited.

Welcoming the participants of the KIUG 2023, the 2022 Asian championship bronze medallist said, “It also gives the participants a very good chance to experience Assam and the Northeast, offering a wide range of ethnic cuisines, music, natural beauty and wildlife.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Lifter Popy Hazarika hopes KIUG 2023 will boost state’s sporting culture

Guwahati: Seasoned weightlifter Popy Hazarika, who represented India at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, acknowledged the importance of the platform that the Khelo India University Games 2023 will provide to the thousands of athletes participating from across 200 universities in the marquee event, starting February 19 here. 

Popy, a multiple medallist at the National Games, and the Commonwealth championships, believes the prestigious event, hosted in Assam for the first time, will boost the sporting culture in the state.

Welcoming the athletes to experience the warmth and hospitality in the Gateway of the Northeast, Popy said, “Khelo India University Games provides a perfect platform for every young athlete to establish themselves in the big league. Assam is known for its warmth and hospitality, and I’m sure the state government will leave no stones unturned to make it a grand success.”

Raised by a widowed mother, who worked as a farm hand and cook to support her four daughters after losing her husband, Popy had overcome multiple challenges after losing her father, a driver by profession. 

A product of the SAI centre in Golaghat, Popy, who won the 59kg gold in the Khelo India National Weightlifting Championships in 2022, said that the exposure athletes get by taking part at events like the KIUG is massive.  

“As an athlete, coming from a remote village in Assam, I have experienced how such tournaments help in boosting one’s confidence. I wholeheartedly wish all the participants the very best for the games. The exposure that the events like Khelo India University Games provide to young athletes is massive, and helps shape in one’s individuality,” she said.

The 25-year-old from Namti Salkathoni village in Sivasagar district, also reflected on the significance of the KIUG taking place in the state, “It’s a testament to our state’s rising stature in the field of sports.”

“Our state has successfully hosted multi-discipline events in the past, and this time, it will be bigger and better. The sports infrastructure in the state has improved massively, especially after the National Games in 2007, and then the Khelo India Youth Games in 2020,” she added.

Popy also spoke highly of the state’s support for athletes, while citing the Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government’s decision to provide jobs to medallists of major national tournaments.

“The state government has been really supportive towards sportspersons and this has brought in a sporting culture across the state. It’s no more limited to the bigger cities, but there’s a sporting culture growing in the remote areas, thanks to the infrastructure and support from the government,” she said.

“Right before the National Games in Gujarat, the government for the first-time announced flight travel for all athletes and support staff, participating at any major national event. The decision helped athletes save travel time and focus on training. Also, the medallists were given jobs, which is a massive boost,” she accounted.

Popy is hopeful that the KIUG 2023 will bring out a number of champions from the home state.

by Abhishek Shukla

Commonwealth Gold Medalist and Arjuna Awardee Nayanmoni Saikia Applauds Khelo India University Games 2023 as Gateway to Sporting Glory

Assam February 10, 2024; – As anticipation builds for the upcoming Khelo India University Games 2023, Arjuna Awardee and Commonwealth Gold Medalist Nayanmoni Saikia, hailing from Golakhat District in Assam’s Sarupathar, shares her heartfelt enthusiasm and support for the prestigious sporting event. With a diverse background in weightlifting and a triumphant transition to Lawn Bowls, Saikia emphasizes the significant impact of platforms like Khelo India University Games in shaping the futures of young athletes.

“Khelo India University Games provides an invaluable platform for every aspiring youth to prosper and advance in their sporting journey,” says Saikia.

“As an athlete who has witnessed firsthand the impact of such initiatives, I wholeheartedly wish all the participants the very best for the games.”

Reflecting on Assam’s proud sporting heritage and the significance of hosting the Games in the state, Saikia remarks, “Seeing the Games hosted in Assam fills me with immense pride. It’s a testament to our state’s growing prominence in the sporting arena and an opportunity for our talented athletes to shine on the national stage.”
Saika’s own journey from overcoming an injury to clinching gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines athletes from the region. “Lawn Bowls wasn’t particularly prominent in Assam until the hosting of the 2007 National Games, which provided a significant platform for the sport to gain recognition within our state.”

Sharing more about her support from SAI, Saikia adds, “As a former weightlifting athlete, I underwent extensive rehabilitation and training under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Assam. Despite encountering a back injury in 2007, I persisted and waited until 2008 to embark on my journey in Lawn Bowls. With the invaluable support and resources provided by SAI, I was able to overcome my injury and prepare diligently for my inaugural participation in the sport.”

Reflecting on the transformative impact of sporting events like Khelo India University Games, Saikia emphasizes, “The participation of accomplished athletes like Lovlina Borgohain from Assam, emphasizes the state’s vital contribution to India’s sporting landscape. Events like these provide a platform for talent to flourish and garner the recognition it deserves.”

 Highlighting the surge in sporting participation and success in Assam, Saikia notes, “Initiatives like Khelo India University Games not only nurture talent but also bring recognition to the state”

Looking ahead to the upcoming edition of Khelo India University Games, Saikia expresses her excitement and commitment to supporting the athletes, particularly those representing Assam. “I am eagerly looking forward to cheering for Assam’s athletes and inspiring the next generation of sporting talent alongside them.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma launches mascot Ashtalakshmi for the Khelo India University Games 2024

Guwahati, 8 February 2024: Taking the anticipation and excitement up a notch ahead of the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games 2024, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the logo and mascot Ashtalakshmi – the vibrant butterfly at a glittering ceremony held here in Guwahati on Thursday. 

 Ashtalakshmi, an embodiment of grace and symbolism, represents the rich biodiversity and natural splendour of the Northeast India. This elegant butterfly adorned with wings featuring cultural motifs and colours from each scale, the mascot depicts a visually captivating representation of the diverse beauty of the Northeast India. 

 Among the attendees were Nisith Pramanik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Nandita Garlosa, Hon’ble Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam, along with a host of sports organisers, athletes from across the eight Northeastern states. 

 The presence of Northeast’s sports icons, national medal winning boxer Pwilao Basumatary, international shuttler Suraj Goala, international table tennis player Divyaj Rajkhowa, Tripura judoka Rikson Debbarma, added to the special occasion. 

 Reflecting on Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of investing in youth through sports, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, said: “Assam has been the sports destination of the Northeast, having successfully hosted mega events like the South East Asian Games, the second edition of Khelo India Youth Games and most recently the Khel Maharan where over 6 lakh youth registered to participate. With Olympic stars like Lovlina Borgohain hailing from our state, our focus on youth development has been at the forefront of our efforts to put Assam on the world map.” 

 “As Chief Minister, I express my government’s unparalleled support in organising this mega event which personifies our beloved Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of investing in our youth through sports. We look forward to welcoming over 5,000 participants and delegates for this prestigious event,” added Sarma. 

 Speaking on the occasion, Nisith Pramanik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, said: “As we eagerly anticipate the Khelo India University Games 2023, it’s heartening to witness the resolute backing from Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary initiative aimed at cultivating a thriving sporting culture across the nation. Under the astute guidance of Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state emerges as a beacon for sporting excellence, committed to nurturing talent and instilling values of sportsmanship.” 

 “Drawing inspiration from the remarkable achievements of athletes who have soared to prominence through platforms like the Asian Games, we recognise the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and transcending boundaries,” he added. 

 Assam, will host a total of 16 disciplines during the Khelo India University Games 2024, reflecting the state’s dedication to providing world-class sporting infrastructure. This will include an array of events including athletics, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, hockey, fencing, kabaddi, football, tennis, mallakhamb, judo, table tennis, boxing, archery and shooting. The rest of the Northeastern states will play host to four events, including men’s boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and yogasana. 

by Abhishek Shukla

Excitement grips Guwahati as the city gears to host 
Khelo India University Games – Ashtalakshmi 2023

Guwahati, 7 February 2024; The city of Guwahati will take centre stage as it hosts the Fourth Edition of the Khelo India University Games -Ashtalakshmi 2023 between 19th and 29th February 2024.This prestigious sporting event will provide a platform for university athletes from across the country to compete with the best amongst them for glory. Over 5000 participants and officials from 163 universities across the country are participating in the event. The logo and mascot that depict the North Eastern States will be launched, along with the theme song and the jerseys, at a ceremony in Guwahati on 8th February 2024 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shri Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

The Khelo India University Games – Ashtalakshmi 2023 will feature an array of sporting disciplines including Athletics, Rugby, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Badminton, Hockey, Fencing, Kabaddi, Football, Tennis, Mallakhamb, Judo, Table Tennis, Boxing, Shooting, Weightlifting, Archery, Wrestling, and Yogasana, the event embodies the essence of unity in diversity.

by Abhishek Shukla

KIYG 2023 || School bus driver’s daughter wins bronze, father’s relentless persistence reaps fruit

Chennai, January 31: At 4.30 in the morning, Jagdish Gulia and his eight-year-old daughter Tannu were glued to television watching Indian women wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics. When Sakshi Malik turned the bout on its head in the dying seconds to secure bronze, both Jagdish and Tannu embraced each other in celebration.
 
It was at this moment when Jagdish, a school bus driver in Haryana, decided that Tannu would become a grappler. On the other hand, Tannu was even more excited thinking about the travelling opportunities she would be getting as an athlete.
 
She took one step closer to that dream when she won the bronze medal in the 65kg weight category at the Rajarathinam stadium here on Tuesday.
 
“My father would have been happy with gold, but it’s okay. Unlike the last edition where I was eliminated in the second round and returned empty-handed, this time I have something to show to my father,” said Tannu, who went about displaying her medal around the arena.
 
Usually, her father travels with her to most competitions, but this time his school did not sanction his leave so she was accompanied by her uncle Narendra and younger cousin sister Sakshi, who could not win a medal.
 
Tannu has so far won four medals, including the bronze medal here. She bagged the Under-19 School Games gold in 2023; bronze at Under-17 Cadet Ranking Series in 2022 and Under-14 School National Games in 2019.
 
“In the next Khelo India Youth Games you will see me take the gold. I will leave no stone unturned and work hard from here on. The opportunity and medal at Khelo India Youth Games has pumped me up enough. I know I deserve bigger and better,” Tannu added.
 
She said her father, despite his low earnings, has done everything to look after wrestler’s diet. “He feeds me everything to keep me strong. My uncle has even bought a buffalo so that there is no shortage of milk and ghee,” she revealed.
by Abhishek Shukla

Maharashtra Swimmer Palak Joshi lowers her own senior national mark to win 200m backstroke gold

Chennai, Jan 30: Maharashtra swimmer Palak Joshi improved on her 200m backstroke national mark while Tamil Nadu weightlifter R P Keerthana won the girls 81kg category by breaking Snatch and overall National Youth records on the penultimate day of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 here on Tuesday.
Joshi, who had represented India at the 2022 Asian Games, was miles ahead of competition as she stopped the clock at 2:18.59s, setting a timing lower than her senior national mark of 2:18.90s set at the National Aquatics championships in Hyderabad last July.
The Swimming Federation of India will recognise it as the ‘Best Indian Performance’ as SFI only consider best performances in the National Games as National Records.
Telangana’s Sri Nithya Sagi won the silver with a time of 2:25.83s while Karnataka’s Naisha took home the bronze with a time of 2:25.83s.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu weightlifter R P
Keerthana broke the National Youth record in Snatch, Clean & Jerk and overall to clinch the gold in girls 81kg category. Keerthana lifted a total of 188 kgs, including 85kg in snatch and 103kg in Clean & Jerk to finish ahead of state-mate Oviya K (184kg) with Uttar Pradesh’s Santushti Choudhary taking home the bronze with a total lift of 162kg.
The earlier record in Snatch (81kg), Clean & Jerk (104kg) and overall (185kg) were held by Ch. Srilakshmi of Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra added nine more gold medals to their tally to cross half-century of gold medals.
World champion and 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Aditi Gopichand Swami led Maharashtra charge at the archery venue in Nehru Park, winning the compound girls and mixed team gold medals while Pruthviraj Ghadge and Sharvani Shende won the recurve mixed team final.
Shende also won the silver medal in girls recurve category while Tejal Salve won the silver medal in compound girls and Mihir Apar took home the bronze from boy’s compound event.
In Madurai, Maharashtra Kho-kho team lived up to their favourite tag to clinch both the gold medals. The boys defeated Delhi 40-10 while the girls got the bette of Odisha 33-24.
Taarini Suri and Shravani Walekar then took Maharashtra to 50 gold medals when they defeated Odisha’s Pragati Parida and Vishakha Toppo 21-13, 20-22, 21-16 in the girls doubles final at the TNPESU badminton hall.
In shooting, Telangana’s Yuvek Battula and Venkat Lakku bagged the mixed team gold with Madhya Pradesh’s Vanshika Tiwari and Udyaman Rathore bagging the silver and Punjab’s Zorawar Bedi and Risham Guron taking home the bronze.
Photo Caption 1: Maharashtra Archers striking a pose at Nehru Park, Chennai, celebrating their multiple medal victories at the ongoing KIYG 2023
Photo Caption 2: Tamil Nadu’s G P Vinayakram & Swastik M clinch Gold in Badminton Doubles at TNPESU on Tuesday
RESULTS
ARCHERY
Girls:
Recurve: Gold – Avani (Har); Silver – Sharvari Shende (Mah); Bronze – Jannat (Har)
Compound: Gold – Aditi Gopichand Swami (Mah); Silver – Tejal Salve (Mah); Bronze – Kumud Saini (Del)
Boys:
Recurve: Gold – Shubham Kumar (Bih); Silver – Laishram Nelson (Man); Bronze – Atharva Sharma (Raj)
Compound: Gold – Sukhmandeep Singh (Pun); Silver – Harsh Kumar (Chd); Bronze – Mihir Apar (Mah)
Mixed team recurve: Gold – Pruthviraj Ghadge/Sharvari Shende (Mah); Silver – Agastay Singh/Avani (Har), Bronze – Atharva Sharma/Pranjal Tholiya (Raj)
Mixed team compound: Gold – Manav Jadhao/Aditi Swami (Mah); Silver – Pendyala Trinath Chowdary/Kengam Saranya (AP); Bronze – Aryan Yadav/Kumud Saini (Del)
BADMINTON
Girls:
Singles: Gold medal match – T Surya Charishma (AP) bt Aesha Gandhi (Guj) 21-14, 21-14
Bronze – Rujula Ramu
Doubles: Gold medal match – Taarini Suri/Shravani Walekar (Mah) bt Pragati Parida/Vishakha Toppo (Odi) 21-13, 20-22, 21-16; Bronze – Gayatri Rawat/Mansa Rawat (Utr)
Boys:
Singles: Gold medal match – Laksh Chengappa MA (Kar) bt Ansh Negi (Utr) 21-17, 21-13; Bronze – R Mithesh (TN)
Doubles: Gold medal match – GP Vinayakram/Swastik M (TN) bt Bhavya Chabra/Param Choudhary (Del) 21-18, 21-18; Bronze – Bhargav Ram Arigala/Viswa Tej Gobburu (AP)
FOOTBALL
Girls: Gold medal match – Manipur bt West Bengal 0-0 (8-7); Bronze —
KHO-KHO
Girls: Gold medal match –Maharashtra bt Odisha 33-24; Bronze – Gujarat, Delhi
Boys: Gold medal match – Maharashtra bt Delhi – 40-10; Bronze – Gujarat, Karnataka
SHOOTING
Mixed team: Gold – Yuvek Battula/Venkat Lakku (Tel) 39+8; Silver – Vanshika Tiwari/Udyaman Rathore (MP) 39+6; Bronze – Zorawar Bedi/Risham Guron (Pun)
SWIMMING
Girls:
200m medley: Gold – Shreenithi Natesan (TN) 2:26.78s; Silver – Saanvi Deshwal (Mah) 2:27.64s; Bronze – Subhranshini Priyadarshini (Asm) 2:31.60s
200m backstroke: Gold – Palak Joshi (Mah) 2:18.59s; Silver – Sri Nithya Sagi (Tel) 2:25.83s; Bronze – Naisha (Kar) 2:25.83s
4x100m medley: Gold – Karnataka 4:32.66s; Silver – Maharashtra 4:34.30s; Bronze – Tamil Nadu 4:41.21s
Boys:
200m medley: Gold – Yug Chelani (Raj) 2:10.73s; Silver – Siddhanth Singh Jadon (MP) 2:12.29s; Bronze – Saswata Roy (WB) 2:13.50s
200m Backstroke: Gold – Nithik Nathella (TN) 2:04.60s; Silver – Rishabh Das (Mah) 2:05.19s; Bronze – Akash Mani (Kar) 2:07.25s
800m Freestyle: Gold – Mongam Theerdu Samadev (AP) 8:29.77s; Silver – Gotteti Sampath Kumar Yadav (AP) 8:29.86s; Bronze – Darshan S (Kar) 8:39.89
TENNIS
Girls doubles: Gold medal match – Maaya Rajeshwari/Lakshmi Prabha (TN) bt Suhitha Maruri/Sreenidhi Balaji (Kar) 6-2, 6-1;
Bronze: Ruma Gaikawari/Asmi Adkar (Mah), Sonal Patil/Aishwarya Dayanand (Mah)
Boys doubles: Gold medal match — Pranav & K.Mahalimgam (TN) bt C S Warik & T M Jhadav (Mah) 6-3, 6-1
WEIGHTLIFTING
Girls
81kg: Gold – R P Keerthana (TN) 188kg; Silver – Oviya K (TN) 184kg; Bronze – Santushti Choudhary (UP) 162kg.
81+kg: Gold – Amritha P Suni (Ker) 181kg; Silver – Aditi (UP) 173kg; Bronze – Y Chaitna Kumari (AP) 169kg.
Boys
102+kg: Gold – Suvansh Thakur (HP) 280kg; Silver – David Zohmingmawla (Miz) 266kg; Bronze – Sarth Jadhav (Mah) 264
WRESTLING
Girls:
53kg: Gold – Ekta Kumari (Raj); Silver – Sanika Patil (Mah); Bronze – Riya Kumari (Jha), Priya (Har)
65kg: Gold – Siksha (Del); Silver – Prerna Mehta (HP); Bronze – Tannu (Har), Apeksha Patil (Mah)
Boys
55kg FS: Gold – Anuj Kumar Vishnoi (Raj); Silver – Khazamainuddin Malagi (Kar); Bronze – Abhishek Yadav (UP), Yogesh Phalswal (Del)
80kg FS: Gold – Arjun Gadekar (Mah); Silver – Neeraj (Del); Bronze – Saurabh Yadav (UP), Yadvinder Singh (HP)
92kg GR: Gold – Shivam Yadav (UP); Silver – Umesh (Har); Bronze – Vansh Dabas (Del), Konewale Gajanand Singh (Tel)
by Abhishek Shukla

Weightlifter Keerthana creates new National Youth records; Maharashtra reaches half-century of gold medals

Chennai, Jan 30: Tamil Nadu weightlifter R P Keerthana broke the National Youth record in Snatch, Clean & Jerk and overall to clinch the gold in girls 81kg category while table-toppers Maharashtra touched the half-century of gold medals in the 6th Khelo India Youth Games 2023 here on Tuesday.

Keerthana lifted a total of 188 kgs, including 85kg in snatch and 106kg in Clean & Jerk to finish ahead of state-mate Oviya K (184kg) with Uttar Pradesh’s Santushti Choudhary taking home the bronze with a total lift of 162kg.

The earlier record in Snatch (81kg), Clean & Jerk (104kg) and overall (185kg) were held by Ch. Srilakshmi of Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra added six gold medals to their tally in the morning session, bagging three in archery, two in Kho-kho and the girls doubles title in badminton.

World champion and 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Aditi Gopichand Swami led the Maharashtra charge at the archery venue in Nehru Park, winning the compound girls and mixed team gold medals while Pruthviraj Ghadge and Sharvani Shende won the recurve mixed team final.

Shende also won the silver medal in girls recurve category while Tejal Salve won the silver medal in compound girls and Mihir Apar took home the bronze from boy’s compound event.

In Madurai, Maharashtra Kho-kho team lived up to their favourite tag to clinch both the gold medals. The boys defeated Delhi 40-10 while the girls got the bette of Odisha 33-24.

Taarini Suri and Shravani Walekar then took Maharashtra to 50 gold medals when they defeated Odisha’s Pragati Parida and Vishakha Toppo 21-13, 20-22, 21-16 in the girls doubles final at the TNPESU badminton hall.

In shooting, Telangana’s Yuvek Battula and Venkat Lakku bagged the mixed team gold with Madhya Pradesh’s Vanshika Tiwari and Udyaman Rathore bagging the silver and Punjab’s Zorawar Bedi and Risham Guron taking home the bronze.

ARCHERY

Girls:
Recurve: Gold – Avani (Har); Silver – Sharvari Shende (Mah); Bronze – Jannat (Har)

Compound: Gold – Aditi Gopichand Swami (Mah); Silver – Tejal Salve (Mah); Bronze – Kumud Saini (Del)

Boys:
Recurve: Gold – Shubham Kumar (Bih); Silver – Laishram Nelson (Man); Bronze – Atharva Sharma (Raj)

Compound: Gold – Sukhmandeep Singh (Pun); Silver – Harsh Kumar (Chd); Bronze – Mihir Apar (Mah)

Mixed team recurve: Gold – Pruthviraj Ghadge/Sharvari Shende (Mah); Silver – Agastay Singh/Avani (Har), Bronze – Atharva Sharma/Pranjal Tholiya (Raj)

Mixed team compound: Gold – Manav Jadhao/Aditi Swami (Mah); Silver – Pendyala Trinath Chowdary/Kengam Saranya (AP); Bronze – Aryan Yadav/Kumud Saini (Del)

BADMINTON

Girls:
Singles: Gold medal match – T Surya Charishma (AP) bt Aesha Gandhi (Guj) 21-14, 21-14
Bronze – Rujula Ramu

Doubles: Gold medal match – Taarini Suri/Shravani Walekar (Mah) bt Pragati Parida/Vishakha Toppo (Odi) 21-13, 20-22, 21-16; Bronze – Gayatri Rawat/Mansa Rawat (Utr)

Boys:
Singles: Gold medal match – Laksh Chengappa MA (Kar) bt Ansh Negi (Utr) 21-17, 21-13; Bronze – R Mithesh (TN)

Doubles: Gold medal match – GP Vinayakram/Swastik M (TN) bt Bhavya Chabra/Param Choudhary (Del) 21-18, 21-18; Bronze – Bhargav Ram Arigala/Viswa Tej Gobburu (AP)

KHO-KHO
Girls: Gold medal match –Maharashtra bt Odisha 33-24; Bronze – Gujarat, Delhi

Boys: Gold medal match – Maharashtra bt Delhi – 40-10; Bronze – Gujarat, Karnataka

SHOOTING
Mixed team: Gold – Yuvek Battula/Venkat Lakku (Tel) 39+8; Silver – Vanshika Tiwari/Udyaman Rathore (MP) 39+6; Bronze – Zorawar Bedi/Risham Guron (Pun)

TENNIS
Girls doubles: Gold medal match – Maaya Rajeshwari/Lakshmi Prabha (TN) bt Suhitha Maruri/Sreenidhi Balaji (Kar) 6-2, 6-1;
Bronze: Ruma Gaikawari/Asmi Adkar (Mah), Sonal Patil/Aishwarya Dayanand (Mah)

WEIGHTLIFTING

Girls
81kg: Gold – R P Keerthana (TN) 188kg; Silver – Oviya K (TN) 184kg; Bronze – Santushti Choudhary (UP) 162kg.

81+kg: Gold – Amritha P Suni (Ker) 181kg; Silver – Aditi (UP) 173kg; Bronze – Y Chaitna Kumari (AP) 169kg.

Boys
102+kg: Gold – Suvansh Thakur (HP) 280kg; Silver – David Zohmingmawla (Miz) 266kg; Bronze – Sarth Jadhav (Mah) 264

by Abhishek Shukla

Hailing from Gujarat’s ‘Mini Africa’, judoka Shahin ready for bigger challenges after KIYG glory

Chennai January 23: One would mistakenly count Shahin Darjada, seated with cornrows decorated with beads on her head, as some sports fan enjoying an outing at the indoor hall of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where the judo competitions of the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games are being held.

Hailing from Jambur village, popularly known as the ‘Mini Africa’ of Gujarat, Shahin walked away with a gold medal in 57kg category with a convincing win over Himachal Pradesh’s Rupanshi in the final.

There are a couple of more players hailing from the region, situated around 20km from Gir, and has served as a home to Siddi community, which is of African origin.

Shahin, who recently won a silver medal at the Asian Junior Judo Championship in Tashkent, now has two gold, one silver and a one bronze from her four appearances in the Khelo India Youth Games.

“It was an easy bout for me. The opponent did not trouble me as I carried experience of four Khelo India competitions. It was my opponent’s first Khelo India final. I was in complete control of the bout right from the beginning. Happy that my Khelo India journey comes to an end with a gold,” she said after winning the final.

The 18-year-old said her performance started to improve once she shifted to the Vijayi Bharat Sports Academy (VBSA) in Ahmedabad where she started training under Georgian coach, Lasa Kizilashvili from 2022. 

Speaking about her future, Kizilashvili said “She trains hard at the academy. She follows every instruction given to her. A promising future lies before her. If you ask me, she is an Olympic material.”

A Class 12 student of Somnath Academy in her native village, Shahin is one of the six siblings and counts herself as a fortunate one to have supportive parents. Shahin’s father works in the government circuit house while her mother is a housewife. 

“It was in 2016 when my father first took me to a sports academy, and I had no clue about which sport to pick. I spent around two years at the DLSS (District Level Sports School) in Rajkot where I finally found judo as an interesting choice, and then got my skills fine-tuned at another academy in Nadiad for the next five years and went on to win my first KIYG gold (in Guwahati),” she recalled.

Last year, she participated in the junior World Championships and that experience helped her pocket the gold medals at the junior National Championships and the Cadet Nationals.

“My coaches Lal Krishnan Baghel and Lasa Kizilashvili have been really supportive, and instrumental in my transformation. I have been able to get international exposure which has boosted my confidence, and gearing up to bag a gold in my final KIYG,” she said.

While she has another couple of years in the junior circuit, Shahin has her eyes on the big stage, and hopes to fulfil her parent’s wishes by representing India at the highest levels.

by Abhishek Shukla

KIYG 2023: Muskan Rana stops Maharashtra’s clean sweep in Rhythmic gymnastics for J&K’s first gold

Chennai, January 23: Jammu and Kashmir’s Muskan Rana put the brakes on Maharashtra’s dominance in Rhythmic gymnastics competition of the 6th Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu, by clinching the gold medal in individual Clubs category at the SDAT Aquatic Complex here on Tuesday.

Muskan finished on top with a total of 24.05 points to clinch Jammu and Kashmir’s first gold medal of the Games with Maharashtra’s Parina Madanpotra (22.95) and Haryana’s Life Adlakha (22.80) bagging the silver and bronze medals respectively.

The 15-year-old trainee of Gymnastic Centre of J&K Sports Council had earlier won silver medals in Rhythmic All-round and Individual Ball category and a bronze medal in Individual Hoop.

Maharashtra’a Sanyukta Kale, who had won the All-Round gold on Monday, added two more gold medals to her tally in Ball and Ribbon category while her state-mate Kimaya Karle clinched the Hoop gold to take their state to the top of medals tally for the first time in this edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

The defending champions also added another gold and silver in Yogasana with the duo of Pranav Sahu and Yash Lagad winning the Boys Artistic Pair event with a score of 133.23 points while Aryan Kharat and Tanmay Mhalaskar (132.42 pts) finishing second. Tamil Nadu’s B Monisha Mahendran and S Kabilan (131.98) bagged the bronze.

Last night table toppers, Tamil Nadu added seventh gold to their tally when Dhanyadha J.P won the Girls Individual Pursuit at the TNPESU velodrome with a timing of 2:52.333s. Shiya Lalwani of Maharashtra (2:54.530s) and Gargi Bishnoi of Rajasthan (2:56.396s) took the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Rajasthan also opened their gold medal account with Kheta Ram Chinga winning the boy’s Individual Pursuit with a timing of 3:50.494. Bihar’s Prahalad Kumar (3:51.953) clinched the silver medal while the bronze went to Aashirwad Saxena (3:47.502) of Telangana.

In the shooting event being held at the Guru Nanak College, Haryana’s Samrat Rana and Suruchi defeated Rajasthan’s Prachi and Yogesh Kumar 16-6 to clinch the 10m Air Pistol mixed doubles gold.

Photo Caption: Jammu and Kashmir’s Muskan Rana in action during the Rhythmic Club competition in the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 at the SDAT Aquatic Stadium here on Tuesday. Rana won the gold medal.

Photo Caption: Maharashtra’s Sanyukta Kale in action during the Rhythmic Ball competition in the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 at the SDAT Aquatic Stadium here on Tuesday. Kale added gold medals in Ball and Ribbon category to her All-Round crown she won yesterday.

Photo Caption: Kheta Ram Chinga of Rajasthan racing ahead to clinch the Individual Pursuit Gold in the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 at the TNPESU Velodrome here.

Medal Tally:https://youth.kheloindia.gov.in/medal-tally

Results (Till 4pm)

CYCLING (6)
Girls:
Individual Pursuit (2km): Gold – Dhanyadha J.P. (TN) 2:52.333; Silver – Shiya Lalwani (Mah) 2:54.530; Bronze – Gargi Bishnoi (Raj) 2:56.396

Boys:
Individual Pursuit (3km): Gold – Kheta Ram Chinga (Raj) 3:50.494; Silver – Prahalad Kumar (Bih) 3:51.953; Bronze – Aashirwad Saxena (Tel) 3:47.502

GYMNASTICS (8)

Girls:
Rhythmic Hoop: Gold – Kimaya Karle (Mah)24.55; Silver – Sanyukta Kale (Mah) 24.10; Bronze – Muskan Rana (J&K) 23.35

Rhythmic Ball: Gold – Sanyukta Kale (Mah) 26.00; Silver –Muskan Rana (J&K) 25.55; Bronze – Life Adlakha (Har) 22.80

Rhythmic Club: Gold – Muskan Rana (J&K) 24.05; Silver – Parina Madanpotra (Mah) 22.95; Bronze – Life Adlakha (Har) 22.80

Rhythmic Ribbon: Gold – Sanyukta Kale (Mah) 25.90; Silver – Muskan Rana (J&K) 23.75; Bronze – Parina Madanpotra (Mah) 22.25

JUDO (4)
Girls:
63kg: Gold – Daechan Stanzin (Del); Silver – Khushi (Del); Bronze – Manpreet Rani (Har), Nandhana Prasad (Ker)

63+kg: Gold – Dipapati NG (Man), Silver – Sirohi Nitya (UP); Bronze – Hanshu (Har), Sunil Radhika D (Kar)

Boys:
81kg: Gold – Sachin Kumar Singh (UP); Silver – Manas Kumar (Jha); Bronze – E Hemanth Sachin (TN), Harsh Sharma (Pun)

81+kg: Gold – Rakshit Tokas (Del); Silver – Yash Patil (Guj); Bronze – Prakhar Kumar Singh (UP), Symon L (Man)

SHOOTING
10m Air Pistol Mixed Team:
Gold Medal Match: Haryana bt Rajasthan 16-6
Bronze Medal Match: Tamil Nadu bt Madhya Pradesh 16-6

SQUASH (2)
Girls individual final: 1-Pooja Arthi R (TN) bt 2-Nirupama Dubey (Mah) 11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6;
Bronze medals: Deepika V (TN), Shameena Riaz (TN)

YOGASANA
Girls:
Artistic Pair: Gold – Menaka V/Petrashivani G (TN) 132.35; Silver – Niral Wadekar/Vaidehi Mayekar (Mah) 132.22; Bronze – Nishtha Godbole/Riya (MP) 132.07

Boys:
Artistic Pair: Gold – Pranav Sahu/Yash Lagad (Mah) 133.23 pts; Silver – Aryan Karat/Tanmay Mhalaskar (Mah) 132.42 pts; Bronze – B Monish Mahendran/S Kabilan (TN) 131.98 pts

Traditional Yoga: Gold – Rajdeep Dalal (WB) 61.92; Silver – Ritik Bishnoi (Raj) 61.25; Bronze – Aryan Kharat (Mah) 61.17, Arif Allaudin Khan (Goa) 61.17

by Abhishek Shukla

KIYG 2023: Delhi jump to second spot after bagging two gold medals

Chennai, Jun 21: Hosts Tamil Nadu and Delhi clinched two gold medals each while Punjab, Gujarat, Chandigarh and Manipur added one each to their tally on the second day of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 on Sunday.

Navyaa SH clinched the day’s first gold in girls’ traditional yoga and fencer Arlin AV bagged the boy’s Sabre gold defeating Haryana’s Lakshya Badser 15-14 to take Tamil Nadu’s tally to four gold and two bronze.

Delhi jumped to second spot in the medals tally after their judokas clinched two of the five gold medals on offer and also bagged two silver medals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor stadium.

Tannu Mann defeated statemate Jaanvi Yadav to clinch the girls 48kg gold while Anurag Sagar added the boys 55kg top spot by beating Punjab’s Nakul Arora. Deeksha bagged the silver medal in the girls 44kg category after going down against Ankita N of Gujarat.

Chandigarh’s Sapna (girls 40kg) and Punjab’s Shivansh Vashisht (boys 50kg) clinched the other gold medals on offer.

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu’s Navyaa SH added second gold medal from Yogasana to the state’s tally by clinching top spot in girls Traditional Yoga category with a total score of 64.75. West Bengal’s Aranya Hutait (64.42 points) and Ritu Mondal (63.5 points) clinched the silver and bronze respectively.

In the fencing competition being played at TNPESU, Manipur’s K Abhinash defeated Tejas Patil of Maharashtra in the boy’s Foil final.

In the Kabaddi competition, defending boy’s champion Haryana set up a summit clash against Rajasthan with a facile 45-28 victory over Maharashtra. Rajasthan had earlier beaten Tamil Nadu 41-23 in the other semi-final.

Results (till 7 pm):

Basketball

Girls:

Group A: Maharashtra bt Kerala 81-54; Tamil Nadu bt Chandigarh 109-45

Group B: Punjab bt Uttar Pradesh 88-25;

Boys:

Group A: Uttar Pradesh bt Mizoram 109-52;

Group B: Rajasthan bt Chandigarh 76-74; Tamil Nadu bt Karnataka 99-72

Boxing (quarterfinals)

Fencing

Boys:

Sabre: Gold medal match: Arlin AV (TN) bt Lakshya Badser (Har) 15-14; Bronze: Abhishek (Har), Shirish Angal (Mah)

Foil: K Abhinash (Man) bt Tejas Patil (Mah) 15-9; Bronze: Sachin (Har), Rohan Shah (Mah)

Judo:

Girls:

40kg: Gold — Sapna (CHG), Silver — Sommya Rani Kadapala (AP), Bronze – Kritika Soni (HP), Neelam (UTR)

44kg: Gold: Ankita N (Guj), Silver — Deeksha (Del); Bronze – Roshivina M (Man), Yuvika Tokas (Del)

48kg: Gold — Tannu Mann (Del), Silver — Jaanvi Yadav (Del), Bronze — Bhakti Bhosale (Mah), Nancy (Har)

Boys:

50kg: Gold – Shivansh Vashisht (Pun), Silver – Mohit Moolya (Mah), Bronze – Rickson Debbarma (TRI), Tang Tada (ARP)

55kg: Gold – Anurag Sagar (Del), Silver – Nakul Arora (Pun), Bronze — Om Sameer H (Mah), Yohenba Y (Man)

Hockey

Girls:

Group A: Chhattisgarh bt Tamil Nadu 6-0; Madhya Pradesh bt Mizoram 4-2

Group B: Odisha bt Jharkhand 5-1; Haryana bt Punjab 10-0

Boys:

Group A: Odisha bt Tamil Nadu 6-1, Madhya Pradesh bt Punjab 3-2

Group B:

Kabaddi (semifinals- till filing report)

Boys: Rajasthan bt Tamil Nadu 41-23; Haryana bt Maharashtra 45-28

Squash (Round of 8)

Girls: 1-Pooja Arthi (TN) bt Yashi Jain (Raj) 11-4, 11-4, 11-6; Shameena Riaz (TN) bt Khushboo (UP) 11-2, 11-0, 11-4; Deepika V (TN) bt Chhavi Saran (Raj) 11-5, 11-6, 11-9; 2-Nirupama Dubey (Mah) bt Unnati Tripathi (UP) 14-12, 5-11, 12-10, 14-16, 11-9

Boys: 1-Tanveet Singh Mundra (MP) bt Ansh Tripathi (UP) 11-8; 11-6, 11-6; Sandesh Pr (TN) bt L Meyyapan (TN) 11-9, 11-9, 11-5; Arihant Ks (TN) bt Karan Yadav (UP) 11-9, 4-11, 11-2, 11-8; 2-Aryan Pratap Singh (UP) bt Alalokit Singh (Raj) 14-12, 12-14, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9

Yogasana

Girls: Traditional: Gold – Navyaa SH (TN) 64.75 points; Silver – Aranya Hutait (WB) 64.42; Bronze – Ritu Mondal (WB) 63.5

by Abhishek Shukla

Reliance Foundation’s young athletes look to impress at Khelo India Youth Games 2024

Reliance Foundation’s young athletes will be looking to make their mark at the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games, which will be held in the state of Tamil Nadu across four cities from January 19 to 31. A total of six athletes – Sandeep Gond, Rajendra Sidhu, Nitish Kullu, Reyan Basha, Sunita Sant, and Ommkar Prasad Nanda – will be in action at the Games.

This will be the first major event that RF athletes will be competing in 2024. The athletes will look to set the tone for the rest of the year by starting confidently in their first competition of the year.

The trio of Sandeep Gond, Rajendra Sidhu and Nitish Kullu will be competing in the men’s 100m hurdles event, Reyan Basha will take part in the men’s 100m event, Sunita Santa will take to the track in the women’s 2000m steeplechase category. Ommkar Prasad Nanda will be in action in the men’s shot put and hammer throw events. Rajendra and Nitish were a part of the Odisha team which won Gold in the previous edition in the men’s 4x100m relay with a new Khelo India Youth Games record.

Speaking before the competition, Martin Owens, Head Coach, Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre, said, “Of our athletes, Reyan is ranked no 2 among the entrants in his category, so he is among the strongest medal contenders for us. In the hurdles, Rajendra and Nitish both medaled at the National Junior and Youth Championships respectively, so both of them will be among the top contenders here. This will also be Sandeep’s last event in the U18 category before he makes the step up to the U20 category, so he will be looking to finish on a high.”

“Ommkar also medaled at the National Juniors, where he was among the youngest athletes, so he will derive confidence from that. This will be his first U18 competition, so it will be interesting to see how he steps up. Sunita was an absolute surprise package as she won bronze at the Junior Nationals in just her second race after taking up the steeplechase event. Our athletes have had the best kind of preparations and we are confident of them doing their best at the Khelo India Youth Games.”

The previous edition of the Khelo India Youth Games saw an impressive display from the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High Performance Center Athletes, who registered Odisha’s best ever medal haul of 7 medals at the competition in athletics, including four Gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

The Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Center, a collaboration between Odisha Government and Reliance Foundation, provides comprehensive support to India’s top athletic talent, including world-class coaching, equipment, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. With over 50 athletes trained in various athletics disciplines, the centre has produced outstanding results at the national as well as international level. 

by Abhishek Shukla

KIYG 2023: Armed with books & jersey, Maharashtra kabaddi player Anuj Gawade sets off for Khelo India Youth Games 2023

Chennai, January 18: When Maharashtra kabaddi player Anuj Gawade started packing his bags for the Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu, his first instinct was to pack his books along with the playing jerseys considering that his 12th standard board exams are just a month away.

Kabaddi action is scheduled to start at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday and Maharashtra boys are keen on challenging the hegemony of Haryana this time around.

And Gawade is determined to put his best foot forward on both fronts. “I wasn’t good at studies, so I focused more on sports. But I don’t want to lose my focus on studies.

 “That is why, I brought my books here. I will prepare for the boards whenever I will get the time,” said Gawade, who wants to make his school van driving father proud.

Hailing from Dhanori village in Pune district, Gawade got hooked to the sport after watching his seniors in action.

 “In our village, seniors used to play kabaddi, so we started playing too. First at the school level, and gradually we progressed. There is nothing else besides Kabaddi,” says Gawade, who has been playing competitive Kabaddi for last five years.

Initially his parents were worried that he might get injured while playing but have been the pillar of support ever since he started showing good results.

He went on to play in the Yuva Kabaddi series last year but missed the Pro Kabaddi League cut due to age restrictions.

“I want to do a lot for my father. For that, I want to play in the Pro Kabaddi League. I wasn’t selected last year because I didn’t fit the age criteria, but I will play next year,” he says with confidence.

When not immersed in the Kabaddi fervour, Gawade continues to help his parents in the field or does odd jobs. “Working in the field gives me some strength and fitness too,” he explains.

In Chennai, Gawade is hopeful of an all-round display on the mat and off it to make it a journey to remember.

by Abhishek Shukla

KIYG 2023: Having learnt to play hockey from YouTube, Sreejesh-fan Shanmugapriya looking forward to make it big in Khelo India Youth Games 2023

Chennai, Jan 17: Shanmugapriya, custodian of Tamil Nadu’s girls’ hockey team for the Khelo India Youth Games 2023, is a fan of India’s goalkeeper P R Sreejesh. The 18-year-old spends a considerable amount of her time watching the former India captain in action on YouTube and hopes to meet him one day.

In fact, the youngster from Sivaganga district of the state has the media platform to thank for her early lessons in hockey. 

Shanmugapriya, who lost her father just over a month ago, got hooked to the sport after watching a competition at the Alagappa Model Government School in Karaikudi in 2018 and was desperate to learn how to play.

But there was no coach to teach her the basics and hence her brother Shanmuganathan introduced her to videos on YouTube to understand how the game was played. 

Determined to play the sport, Shanmugapriya would watch the videos and then practice the same in a small corner outside her house with her brother.

Her efforts bore fruit when her school’s Physical Education teacher saw her play hockey in the premises and recommended her to Madurai district coaches, who soon picked her for the district team as a goalkeeper.

However, Shanmugapriya’s problems were far from over. With her mother being the sole bread earner of the family, a hockey goalkeeper’s kit worth Rs 35,000 was out of her reach.

“Initially, I would borrow someone else’s kit to practice and play matches. Then I started doing some part-time work to raise money for my own kit but despite saving some money I was still falling short of Rs 15000,” she says.

Hearing about her plight, Shanmugapriya’s neighbours and well-wishers then came forward to raise the money required for her to buy the kit, which she uses even today.

The 18-year-old, who has also represented the state in the School Games hockey Nationals, knows that the Khelo India Youth Games is now an ideal platform for her to showcase her skills against the best in the country in her age group.

This is only the second time that Tamil Nadu girls team will be participating in the Khelo India Youth Games and Shanmugapriya’s role under the bar could be crucial in helping the team clear the group stage this time around.

And the first year Computer Science student of SRM College is confident that the team would be punching above its weight in front of their local supporters.

“This is an unique opportunity for many girls who can get inspired seeing us play,” she says.

by Abhishek Shukla

Five things that are unique to Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu

Chennai, January 14, 2024: The Khelo India Youth Games is a flagship competition where the future stars in various sports disciplines showcase their skills and are then nurtured for achieving excellence. The much-awaited Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu will take off on January 19-31, 2024 with competitions being held across four cities — Chennai, Trichi, Madurai and Coimbatore.

Here we take a look at five unique features of Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu, that makes the 6th edition of the Youth Games special.

1. First time in South India

A first for South India as well as for Tamil Nadu when it comes to the Khelo India Youth Games. First envisaged as Khelo India School Games back in 2018, the Games have grown in magnitude and have been renamed as the Khelo India Youth Games. 

This edition of the Games will see the participation of over 5500 sportspersons from across all the Indian states and Union Territories.

2. Historical relevance and Woman as a mascot for the first time

Mascots for major multi-discipline Games are normally designed around national animals or birds. But Tamil Nadu is the first state to showcase its rich traditional history and is looking to educate the younger generation about the bravery of legendary freedom fighter Rani Velu Nachiyar, who is also referred to as ‘Veera Mangai’ (the brave women). 

Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first Indian queen to go to war against the East India Company and her contributions has been projected in school books to encourage children to learn the history and contribution of Veera Mangai in the freedom struggle.

3. Squash making its Khelo India debut

There is a special bond between Squash and Chennai ever since the Squash Rackets Federation of India established its flagship India Squash Academy in the city way back in 1990. The state has since produced numerous national and international stars and also hosts big-ticket squash events, including the Squash World Cup last year. And keeping with the city’s deep connect with the game, Khelo India has introduced the fast-paced racquet sport to this edition’s list. 

Squash has also been shortlisted as one of the five new sports to be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program. Hence adding the sport in Khelo India will also be helpful in identifying new talent and broad base the game across the country.

4. Silambam makes debut as demo sport

Tamil Nadu’s pride and one of the oldest weapon-based martial arts form, Silambam has been practiced in Tamil Nadu since 4th century BC and has extensive reference in Tamil Sangam literature. Named after its primary weapon, the bamboo staff, this martial art form has been recognised by the Union Sports Ministry under the ‘Promotion of inclusiveness through sports’ initiative. 

All Khelo India venues will be displaying Silambam and close to 1000 players will be showcasing their mastery over this unique form of martial art as part of demo sport.

5. Tamil Nadu to host all sports disciplines within the State

In the last two editions of the Khelo India Youth Games, few sports disciplines (shooting & cycling) had to be held outside the host state due to lack of infrastructure. While shooting and cycling were held in Delhi during the Youth Games held in Haryana, cycling was again shifted to Delhi when Madhya Pradesh played hosts in 2022.

But Tamil Nadu will be the first state in last three editions to be able to host all the sports disciplines including cycling, which will be conducted at the state-of-art velodrome at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (TNPESU) in Melakottaiyur. Shooting events will be held in Velachery and Alamadi, where the finest budding shooters from the state as well as the country will be aiming for the bull’s-eye.

by Abhishek Shukla

SDAT Tennis Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium getting a makeover for Khelo India Youth Games 2023

Chennai, January 09: The SDAT Tennis Stadium, which was once the home of the prestigious ATP Chennai Open, and the 40,000-capacity Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium are being revamped to give the participants of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu, a truly world-class experience and Hon’ble Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday personally visited the two venues to inspect the ongoing work.

It is the first time that the Khelo India Youth Games are being held in South India and will be held across four cities – Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore – from January 19-31, 2024.

Dr. Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, Thiru. J. Meghanatha Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and other senior officials of the sports department accompanied the Hon’ble Minister.

The SDAT tennis stadium, which boasts of a 7000-capacity Centre Court complex and six side courts will be hosting tennis from January 27-31 and the young players will get an opportunity to showcase their skills at the venue that was once graced by the likes of former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic and Boris Becker to name a few.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, an iconic landmark in the city which has witnessed many national and international sports events in the past, will be hosting the Opening Ceremony apart from athletics and football events. 

The Games Secretariat in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be the epi-centre of the Khelo India Games with all top officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) functioning from there.

Hon’ble Minister Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin also inspected the state-of-the-art blue synthetic track that is being laid at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the new DMX lights being installed and also enquired about the action and implementation plan for the grand opening ceremony to be held on January 19.

The Hon’ble minister also instructed the officials to provide the spectators coming to witness the Games, adequate space to park their vehicles.

by Abhishek Shukla

Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurates Canter Caravan to promote Khelo India Youth Games 2023

Chennai, January 7, 2024: On January 6, Hon’ble Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin flagged off the specially designed Khelo India Youth Games Canter caravan at the Marina Beach Light House to spread the message and spirit of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Tamil Nadu.

A newsletter in collaboration with the Mass Communication Department of DG Vaishnava College, celebrating One year of Sporting excellence under Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu was released by the Hon’ble Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department.

This is the first time that Khelo India Youth Games are being held in South India and will be played across four cities – Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore – from January 19-31, 2024.

Over 5500 athletes, under the age of 18, from 36 states and Union Territories will be vying for top honours in 26 sporting disciplines.

On January 08, five specially designed Canters with the ceremonial torch (Thamizh) will start from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore and will visit all the 38 districts before reaching the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony.

The program schedule for these canters is as follows.

S.NoDateCanter 1 (Madurai)Canter 2 (Trichy)Canter 3 (Coimbatore)Canter 4 (Coimbatore)Canter 5
(Chennai)
108-JanMaduraiTrichyCoimbatoreCoimbatoreNehru Park Sports Complex
209-JanSivagangaiPudhukottaiThe NilgirisTiruppurSecretariat
310-JanRamanathapuramThanjavurErodeKarurMarina Beach
411-JanThoothukudiThiruvarurSalemNamakkalCity Mall
512-JanKanniyakumariNagapattinamDharmapuriKallakurichiGemini bridge
613-JanTirunelveliMayiladuthuraiKrishnagiriViluppuramCenotoph Road
714-JanTenkasiAriyalurTirupathurTiruvannamalaiKotturpuram
815-JanVirudhunagarPerambalurVelloreKancheepuramAnna University
916-JanTheniCuddaloreRanipetChennai, Location TBDTharamani
1017-JanDindigulChengalpattuTiruvallurChennai, Location TBDElliot’s Beach Besant Nagar
1118-Jan_Chennai, Location TBDChennai, Location TBDChennai, Location TBDAdyar
1219-JanChennai,
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium		Chennai,
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium		Chennai,
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium		Chennai,
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium		Chennai,
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu will also be holding various activities including mini marathons, bike rallies and drawing competitions at prominent locations and schools in these districts to create greater awareness around the Games.

All District Sport Offices will also conduct logo/mascot drawing competition, essay writing competitions on how Tamil Nadu is India’s sporting powerhouse and speech competitions before the Canter arrives. The Canter will then visit prominent locations in the district and engagement activities like mini games, sports quiz and souvenir distribution will be undertaken in each district.

More than 1500 students from the state will get an opportunity to be part of the Khelo India Youth Games as volunteers. The Khelo India Youth Games will be telecasted live on National Television, showcasing the spirit and culture of Tamil Nadu.

Mayor of Greater Chennai Corporation Mrs. R. Priya, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Dr. Atulya Misra, IAS, Members of Parliament Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, Dr. Kalanidhi Veerasamy, Members of Legislative Assembly Thiru. Tha Velu, Thiru. Joseph Samuel, Thiru. J.J. Ebenezer, Deputy Mayor of Greater Chennai Corporation Thiru. M. Magesh Kumar, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu Thiru. J. Meghnatha Reddy, IAS, basketball player Jeevanandham, fencer Maria Akshita and other sportspersons were also present during the event.

On the occasion, Honorable Minister Udayanidhi Stalin said:

It gives me great pleasure to flag off the promotional vehicle for the first ever Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Tamil Nadu.

After the formation of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, the sports department has seen a new dawn. Like all other industries, the sports industry has also progressed and have numerous achievements to show. Our model of governance is a guide for the Indian Union in the field of sports as well and now we are going to host the 6th Khelo India Youth Games from January 19- 31, 2024.

In the past, we successfully conducted the 44th Chess Olympiad and our efforts were appreciated across the world. Similarly, we are making all arrangements to successfully conduct the Khelo India Games as per the instructions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. We are constantly conducting various programs to take this national level competition across Tamil Nadu and the whole country.

Khelo India Games will be held in 4 cities in Tamil Nadu namely Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Madurai. Promotion vehicles have been launched today to convey the importance of this. Representing the pride of Tamil Nadu, Velunachiyar’s figure and flame will travel across Tamil Nadu with this vehicle.

These vehicles will go to schools, colleges and tourist spots in every district. During the visit of this vehicle, a program will be held in which ministers, members of the legislature, district collectors, students and general public will participate in every district. Also, mini-marathon and vehicle rally will be held at the places where vehicles are going.

In order to attract the attention of the students, various competition like Khelo India logo drawing competition and an essay competition on Velunachiyar figure and torch will be held in these districts. Every day is like a festival where these vehicles go.

Due to the steps taken by the government for sports development, many recognitions are also coming our way.

Recently Tamil Nadu was conferred the Best State promoting sports award by the Confederation of Indian Industries. The Chennai Open Chess Series was held last month and it once again underlined that Chennai means Chess and chess means Chennai. We also conducted various competitions including CM Trophy Sports Tournament, Asian Champions Trophy, Squash World Cup, World Surfing League, HCL Cyclothon and Junior Hockey.

The government has also been instrumental in helping Tamil Nadu sportsmen and women in succeed in these competitions. The Chief Minister started the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation so that finances should not be a barrier for sportspersons. Through this foundation, we provided financial assistance of Rs. 4 crores to sportspersons.

Also, 48 players from Tamil Nadu have bagged 28 medals in the 19th Asian Games in China. These medallists have been given a higher incentive of Rs.9.40 crores. An incentive of Rs 5 crore has been distributed among sportsmen and women who have achieved success at the national and international level in Boxing, Fencing and Roller Skating.

The Tamil Nadu team which won gold in the National Senior Women’s Football Tournament was given an incentive of Rs. 60 lakh.

R Praggnanandhaa, who won the silver medal in the World Cup Chess Tournament, was awarded Rs 30 lakh. Incentives are also being given to differently abled sportspersons who are performing at the national and international stage.

An MoU has been signed with Odisha state for their players to train in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu players to train in Odisha. Also, an agreement has been signed with Jwala Gutta Academy to train badminton players. As part of the agreement, 28 players are undergoing training in Hyderabad.

The state government has also appointed 76 coaches after a gap of 12 years while the likes of Vaishali, Harinder pal Singh, Ramesh and Kavita Selvaraj from Tamil Nadu have received the highest sporting awards given by the Union Government.

We are now looking forward to setting similar standards during the conduct of the Khelo India Games.

The Nehru Stadium in Chennai has been renovated at a cost of Rs.10 crore for these Games. Around 6000 players from all over India are expected to participate in Khelo India Games.

by Abhishek Shukla

Day 4 Results: 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 2

New Delhi, 4th January 2024: Day 4 of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 2 witnessed SAI Bal Team, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre and SAI Shakti Team win their respective matches.   

 SAI Bal Team records comprehensive win:    In the first match of the day, SAI Bal Team defeated Jai Bharat Hockey Academy 10-0. Sree Vidya Thirumalasetty (21’, 24’, 47’; 49’) scored four goals, Shanti Horo (22’, 29’, 36’) scored a hat trick while Vandana Patel (32’), Mutum Priya Devi (39’) and Jyoti Xaxa (58’) scored a goal each for SAI Bal Team.   Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre wins by the barest of margins:    In the second match of the day, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre defeated Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy 1-0. The first three quarters didn’t see any goals scored. It was Saniya Syed (48’) who scored the only goal of the match by converting a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter for Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre.   SAI Shakti Team records convincing win:   In the third match of the day, SAI Shakti Team defeated Anantpur Sports Academy 12-0.   Bhavya (3’, 30’, 53’, 59’) scored four goals, Sakshi (25’, 29’) and Purnima (32’, 54’) scored braces, while Tamanna (18’), Sanjana Raikwar (18’), Binati Minz (36’) and Captain Kajal (46’) scored a goal each for SAI Shakti Team.   

by Abhishek Shukla

Day 7 Results: 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 1

New Delhi, 27th December 2023: Day 7 of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 1 witnessed SAI Shakti Team, Khelo India Hockey Excellence Centre Chhattisgarh, SAI Bal Team and Jai Bharat Hockey Academy winning their respective matches.  

SAI Shakti Team wins big:    

In the first match of the day, SAI Shakti Team defeated Raja Karan Hockey Academy 28-0. Purnima Yadav (4’, 34’, 35’, 42’, 45’, 49’, 54’) scored seven goals, Captain Kajal (3’, 6’, 22’, 29’, 50’, 60’) scored six goals, Binati Minz (2’, 9’, 25’, 56’) and Ravina (15’, 20’, 38’, 55’) scored four goals each, Shweta (12’, 57’) and Sakshi (24’, 59’) scored braces while Navroop Kaur (7’), Tammanna (14’) and Nisha Dadel (18’) scored a goal each for SAI Shakti team.  

Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre wins close game:   

In the second match of the day, Khelo India Hockey Excellence Centre Chhattisgarh defeated Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre 2-1. Doli Bhoi (18’) of Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre scored the first goal of the match by converting a penalty corner. Akshita (23’) equalized for Khelo India Hockey Excellence Centre Chhattisgarh five minutes later before Madhu Sidar (28’) put them in the lead late in the second quarter. They held on to the lead to win the match 2-1.  

SAI Bal Team has it easy: 

In the third match of the day, SAI Bal Team defeated Ghumanhera Riser’s Hockey Academy 12-0. Vandana Patel (17’, 52’, 57’) scored a hat-trick, Riya (15’, 27’), Tanisha Ekka (30’, 48’) and Sisliya Sandi Purty (38’, 53’) scored braces and Jyoti Xaxa (26’), Nidhi (42’) and Lalpeksangi (55’) scored a goal each for SAI Bal Team.  

Jai Bharat Hockey Academy overcomes Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta: 

In the fourth match of the day, Jai Bharat Hockey Academy defeated Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta 3-1. The first goal of the match was scored by Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta and it came from Anjali (6’). However, a brace from Nisha (23’, 45’) and a field goal from Captain Annu (51’) meant that Jai Bharat Hockey Academy would win the match 3-1.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India Para Games: Northern belt sees Rajasthan lead the line with 10 golds

New Delhi, 26th December 2023: The Khelo India Para Games 2023, hosted across seven venues in Delhi, gave rise to many future stars in different sports from different states in India. One state that performed well was Rajasthan, who bagged 43 medals, including 10 golds, 20 silver and 13 bronze. They finished sixth on the medals table, just above Punjab (7th with 20 medals — 8 gold, 2 silver, 10 bronze) and Delhi (8th with 36 medals — 7 gold, 10 silver, 19 bronze). Haryana finished on top with 105 medals while Uttar Pradesh were second best with 62.

One of the star performers for Rajasthan was Jeetu Kanwar, who won the Bronze medal in the 100m T35 Class. Jeetu, who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, finished with a timing of 23.81 seconds, below Preeti Pal (Uttar Pradesh, 15.65 seconds) and Avani (Haryana, 21.68 seconds). Previously, the sprinter won multiple laurels at the National Para Athletics Championships in different events like the 100m, 200m and long jump.

Apart from her career in sports, Jeetu is also pursuing her PhD in Public Health at the Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.

Punjab also had multiple medal winners in their ranks and one star who performed well was Parmjeet Kumar, who secured the yellow medal with a more-than-impressive lift of 150kg in the Elite 49kg category in powerlifting. He finished above Dilipkumar Shukla of Gujarat (121 kg) and Bhammar Maya Bhai Loma bhai, also of Gujarat (105 kg).

His victorious lifts came after Parmjeet created history after becoming the first Indian to win gold at the Senior Worlds after he emerged victorious in the men’s – 49kg Total event at the Dubai 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships with a total lift of 462 kg (150, 155, and 157 kg). He has previously won bronze at the same event in 2021.

Delhi’s Sakshi Kasana won two medals in different athletic events — Silver in Javelin Throw and Gold in Discus Throw. This comes after the star para-athlete led Team India to the bronze medal in the women’s Discus Throw event at the Asian Para Games with a throw of 22.06m. Kasana, who has been in a wheelchair since a spine injury following an accident in 2017, has also won the silver medal in the F51/53/55 Discus Throw event at the 2022 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tunisia.

by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India Para Games: Athletes, powerlifters led the charge for southern states

New Delhi, 22nd December 2023: The southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala earned medals at regular intervals to end their campaigns at the Khelo India Para Games 2023 on a positive note. The sporting extravaganza, which was hosted at three venues across seven days in New Delhi, saw Tamil Nadu (third in the overall standings) seal 42 medals (20 gold, 8 silver, 14 bronze), Karnataka win 30 medals (7 gold, 10 silver, 13 bronze) and Kerala secure 9 medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze). Haryana finished on top with 105 medals while Uttar Pradesh were second best with 62.

Among the top stars from Tamil Nadu was Rajesh, who won the 200m gold medal in the T64 category and finished fourth in the long jump event, jumping a length of 4.49 metres. With a more-than-impressive timing of 12.88 seconds, the real-life ‘Blade Runner’ takes his inspiration from 2016 Rio Paralympics gold medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu, who won the T42 category high jump gold medal. Rajesh has been using prosthetic legs since the age of 10 after an infection caused by a poison spread following a syringe needle break led to amputation. But he has not let his injury affect his determination, as was displayed by his stellar performance in the Khelo India Para Games.

In the Powerlifting category, Kasturi Rajmani secured the Gold medal with an impressive 100kg lift in the elite 67kg category. Having returned after representing India at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, she finished way ahead of the likes of Parul Gohil of Gujarat (64 kg) and Punjab’s Sumandeep (57 kg).

Karnataka’s charge at the Khelo India Para Games was led by their veteran powerlifter Sakina Khatun, who performed as per the expectations and secured the gold in the 50 Kg category of her event. She lifted 96 kgs to claim the yellow medal as her own, adding to the many laurels to her name, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal in the 61 kg category after lifting a total of 88.2 kgs, and silver at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta in the 50 kg category with a total lift of 84 kgs. Sakina also participated in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 where she finished 5th by lifting 93kgs.

For Kerala, their Gold medal came from the feet of their Cerebral Palsy Football team. The side defeated their local rivals Tamil Nadu 7-0. This comes after the team secured the titles at the national Cerebral Palsy Athletics Championship in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The hard work of the team also saw the captain Sijo George, from Thiruvananthapuram, finish as the leading goal-scorer with a striking 29 goals to his name. Meanwhile, Muhammed Ajnas, a native of Mananthavady in Wayanad, also made a significant impact by netting 24 goals.

by Abhishek Shukla

2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 1 

New Delhi, 21st December 2023: Day 1 of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 1 witnessed Sai Shakti XI, Anantpur Sports Academy, SAI Bal Team and Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy win their respective matches.  

Sai Shakti Team wins comfortably:   

In the first match of the day, Sai Shakti XI defeated Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre 8-1. Captain Kajal (13’, 52’), Ravina (15’, 21’) and Purnima Yadav (19’, 36’) scored braces while Binati Minz (43’) and Bhavya (57’) scored a goal each for Sai Shakti XI. For Citizen XI, the lone goal came from the stick of Liona Lakra (20’).  

Anantpur Sports Academy starts off with convincing win:  

In the second match of the day, Anantpur Sports Academy defeated Khalsa Hockey Academy, Amritsar 6-1. M. Shalini (33’, 38’, 44’) scored a hat-trick while P. Madhurima Bai (9’), E. Naseema (29’) and C. Mallika (56’) scored a goal each for Anantpur Sports Academy. Captain Laxmi (48’) scored the lone goal for Khalsa Hockey Academy, Amritsar.  

SAI Bal team notches up commanding win:  

In the third match of the day, SAI Bal Team defeated Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta 20-0. As many as 10 players scored for SAI Bal team with Laltylanchhungi (10’, 18’, 23’, 39’, 57’) leading the way with five goals. Guljan Kumari (15’, 30’, 35’) scored a hat-trick, Tanisha Ekka (4’, 14’), Sukar Mani Mundu (6’, 45’), Lalpeksangi (19’, 41’) and Nidhi (21’, 56’) scored braces, while Vandana Patel (26’), Captain Riya (34’), Pushpa Dang (51’) and Mutum Priya Devi (53’) scored a goal each.  

Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy overcomes Salute Hockey Academy.   

In the fourth match of the day, Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy defeated Salute Hockey Academy 12-0. Captain Diksha (2’, 14’, 17’) and Harshita (32’, 45’,52’) scored hat-tricks, Mahi (20’, 54’) and Aarti (28’, 35’) scored braces while Ritika (40’) and Chanchal (56’) scored a goal each for Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Jyoti Baliyan, Shashank Kumar headline top performers from Uttar Pradesh at Khelo India Para Games

New Delhi, 21st December 2023: The para-athletes from Uttar Pradesh performed to the best of their abilities during the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games 2023, which was hosted in three venues across seven days in New Delhi. In second place on the medal tally, the North Indian state finished with 62 medals — 25 Gold, 23 Silver and 14 Bronze medals — to their name.

Among the top performers from the state was one of the biggest Paralympians in the country — Jyoti Baliyan. She is arguably the most renowned Para-Archers in India. She has represented her nation at multiple international events. In the Compound Individual Event, she lost to Sheetal Devi of Jammu and Kashmir in the final (141-138) to seal the silver medal as her own.

Baliyan is a winner of Silver at the World Archery Para Championship with Shyam Sundar Swami in the Compound Archery Mixed Team event after their defeat to Bair Shigaev and Tatiana Andrievskaia of the Russian Archery Federation (148-150). She was diagnosed with Polio, but despite setbacks, she has never backed down from any challenge.

Another prominent name from the state to make a name for himself was Shashank Kumar. The para-badminton star beat West Bengal’s Ankit Pradhan 21-7, 21-9 for the gold medal in the men’s singles Badminton WH-1 category. Shashank, who suffered from Polio at the young age of four, is also a winner of the Silver at the Uganda Para-Badminton International Level-3 in 2022 and a bronze medallist in mixed doubles at the Brazil International Para-Badminton Tournament.

Preeti Pal bagged the gold medal in two different events — the Women’s 100m T35 category with a timing of 15.65 sec, and the 200m T35/T37 category with a timing of 32.36 seconds. The Meerut-based sprinter missed out on a podium place at the Asian Para Games 2023 by a few milli-seconds in the 100 and 200m categories. Preeti was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age but is still among the top young para-athletes in the country.

Prachi Pandey, India’s latest Para Table Tennis star, won Gold at the Khelo India Para Games. She beat Gujarat’s Dhwani Shah 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-2) in the final to clinch the ultimate laurel in her event. Her diagnosis of spina bifida, a condition that causes weakness or paralysis in the legs, did not deter her from becoming an ace Table Tennis player, and now, she is also working in the IT department at Microsoft.

Meanwhile, Javelin Thrower Dipesh Kumar sealed Gold with a brilliant throw of 26.05 metres. The Thrower prevailed in a battle with his statemate Pradeep Kumar, who won silver with a throw of 25.30 metres.

by Abhishek Shukla

For CP quadriplegic Jeetu Kanwar why nothing is impossible

19th December New Delhi: Every athlete in the just-concluded Khelo India Para Games in Delhi was unique. Their ability to rise above physical and mental challenges exposed their God-gifted special qualities that able-bodied sportspersons can never fathom. Jeetu Kanwar is perhaps extra special. Her life story is simply surreal and just unbelievable.

“She has seen a very difficult phase early in life and that has made her a very strong woman today. She has faced all the challenges all by herself and today, she is a self-made woman and an inspiration to the society,” said Kavita Suresh, the general secretary of the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI).
A spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy patient, Jeetu Kanwar, now 29, has been facing life’s odds ever since she was in her mother’s womb. Her form of spastic CP is the severest and it affects the movement of all four limbs, the trunk and the face.

Jeetu’s grit and determination was seen at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium last week when she sprinted to the 100m bronze medal in T-35 class. Now she wants to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Jeetu Kanwar was born on June 26, 1994 in a humble family in Khudiyala dhani under Shergarh block of Jodhpur district. The first signs of cerebral palsy were discovered within three hours of Jeetu’s birth after she didn’t cry even once in the entire period.

Her father Ladu Singh, a senior nursing officer at Primary Health Centre, Nathrau, was as clueless as her mother Rukam Kanwar. Lack of adequate oxygen in Jeetu’s developing brain during her mother’s pregnancy resulted in problems with all her limb and muscle movements.

“My parents were not well educated. Moneywise also we weren’t very strong. My parents and grandparents visited hospitals in Jodhpur but there weren’t facilities to treat cerebral palsy. They also went to all sacred places in and around Rajasthan to seek divine intervention but nothing helped,” Jeetu said.

Being the first among five siblings, Jeetu took three years to start walking. When her younger sister Nenu walked in a year’s time, neighbours and the larger family started to look down upon her. The Kanwars were also discriminated because their first kids were both daughters!

Stunted growth and problems with all body part movements made her life miserable. However, Jeetu wasn’t the one to become depressed but resolved to fight back. When she was put in the local government school, kids tormented Jeetu. Life was a nightmare.

To be able to focus on studies, Jeetu changed many primary schools before she was sent to a school meant for persons with physical disabilities 20 kilometres outside Jodhpur. Jeetu excelled by emerging topper in each class from 6 to 12 at the Sucheta Kripalani Shiksha Niketan, established by then Rajya Sabha MP Narayan Singh Manaklao.

“It was a different world altogether. What is easy for a normal person, it was a huge struggle for me. Tying shoe laces, brushing one’s teeth, taking a bath, changing clothes and holding a pen or even writing down class notes or exams used to be very difficult. But the challenge only made me stronger. I resolved not to give up,” she explained.

Jeetu received the Indira Priyadarshini Award from Rajasthan Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari in 2010 for being the topper in the state among cerebral palsy kids. This came as a huge motivation and her interest in academics grew. A scholarship from a US-based NGO Polio Children followed only helping Jeetu pursue higher education.

Jeetu got admission in BA Pass course in Kamala Nehru College under Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur. Since it was a college for general students, she had to face discrimination and humiliation at the hands of her classmates once again. Still, she graduated with flying colours in 2013.

“I used to struggle asking questions in the class and everyone used to make fun of me. Asking the professor to repeat something also became a big task. I did not have the money to afford speech therapy. I didn’t have any friends who could help me with notes or projects. So, I would get tired after studying, making notes till late nights at the hostel,” she said.

Jeetu secured a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Law & Governance from Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer. It was altogether a new challenge to shift to a new city but her determination helped her earn a gold medal in the subject in 2015, which was awarded to her by former ISRO chairman and vice-chancellor K. Kasturirangan during the University’s convocation.

“It was the first time I invited my parents to come and witness my achievement. I had never called them for any prizes or awards I won before this. My parents were super happy, kept applauding me even after I got down from the stage. Tears of joy trickled down their cheeks as they shared their pride about their disabled daughter. That is the most cherished moment of my life,” Jeetu recalled.

Jeetu is now a research scholar at Jawahar Lal Nehru University in Delhi pursuing a PhD in Public Health at the Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health in JNU.

Repeated problems with her mobility forced Jeetu to consult doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). And thus began her sporting career in 2015-2016.

“I was unable to walk even 400 m from hostel to classroom at JNU. That’s when I consulted someone at AIIMS. The doctor told me to immediately start physiotherapy and get into physical activity for at least 2-3 hours daily. Around the same time, I heard about the Rio Olympics and I felt it will be a big thing to represent India one day. My classmate was Neha Yadav, who was a trained physio, and she used to help me overcome the stiffness in my limbs and muscles,” she said.

Since then, Jeetu hasn’t looked back and went on to win the 100m gold medal thrice in National Para Athletics Championships, jointly organised by Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) and the Paralympic Committee of India. She also won the gold in 200m at the same meet along with silver in long jump.


Sporting Accomplishments at National Level

2017: National Para Athletics Championship – Gold medal in 100m & Silver medal in 200m

2018: National Para Athletics Championship – Gold medal in 100m, Gold medal in 200m & Silver medal in long Jump

2021: National Para Athletics Championship – Bronze medal in 100m

2023: National Para Athletics championship 2023 – Silver medal in 100m; 1st CPSFI National Para Athletics Championship – Gold medal in 100m; 2nd CPSFI National Para Athletics Championship – Silver Medal in 100m; 1st Khelo India Para Games – Bronze Medal in 100m

International Representation

2018: CPISRA World Games, Barcelona, Spain

2022: IWAS World Games, Portugal

2023: World Ability Games, Thailand

by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India Para Games – a celebration of human passion and spirit says Anurag Thakur as Haryana becomes first champion of KIPG

New Delhi, 17th December 2023; Curtains came down on the first-ever Khelo India Para Games after a week-long celebrations of human spirit and inclusivity. In the games that had 173 gold medals up for grabs, Haryana bagged top honours with a total of 105 medals including 40 gold, 39 silver and 26 bronze medals.Finishing second was Uttar Pradesh, with a total of 62 medals, including 25 gold, 23 silver and 14 bronze. 

Tamil Nadu finished third with 20 gold, 8 silver and 14 bronze medals. While the Games witnessed star para athletes who were fresh from their Asian Para Games success in Hangzhou, China. The likes of armless archer Sheetal Devi, discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya, table tennis star Bhavina Patel, Parul Parmar, Nishad Kumar among several others, there were also some heart-warming performances by upcoming stars who defied physical limitations to finish on the podium. 

Hailing the efforts of the participating, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting said, “Today, under these spotlights, we honor not just medals, but the resilient spirits and untold stories that have painted this arena. The Khelo India Para Games 2023 mark a historic chapter in our sports history, where participation eclipses mere victory. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, ‘Kheloge toh khiloge.’ These past days have etched moments of unwavering human spirits, forging new milestones, talents emerging, records falling, and prejudices shattered. This is the new India, envisioned by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”

Rajesh T of Tamil Nadu, Sandeep Dangi of Haryana, Tulika Jadhao of Maharashtra, Ashmita of Assam are all names to reckon with for their incredible grit and determination. The Games also witnessed an Asian record being bettered by Pranav Soorma of Haryana who improved his Asian Para Games gold medal-winning performance of 30.01 with an effort of 33.54 metres in club throw event. He improved the Asian record of 31.09m held by Dharambir. 

Sports superstars like Mary Kom, Harbhajan Singh, Anju Bobby George, Anjum Moudgil, Manu Bhaker, Viren Rasquinha, Ajay Jadeja among others made their presence felt at the victory ceremonies to honour the efforts of the para athletes and also lauded the Government of India and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for introducing para games in their flagship Khelo India events. 

The action on final day also saw Kerala clinch a stupendous 7-0 win against Tamil Nadu in CP football with Y Jaya Surya scoring 3 goals while 4 goals were scored by A Growth. In table tennis, In the men’s Class-4 category, Sumit Sehgal of Haryana defeated Ramesh Chaudhary of Gujarat 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-8) in the final to clinch gold medal.

Over 1450 para athletes from 32 states and Union Territories participated in the prestigious Khelo India Para Games which saw events in seven disciplines. 

Other scores: 

Gajanan Parmar (MP) beat Shashidhar Kulkarni (KNT) 3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 13-11) in the Men’s Class-8 category.

Raj Aravindan Alagar (TN) beat Pawan Kumar Sharma (UP) 3-0 (11-2, 11-7, 11-7) in the Men’s Class-5 category

Poonam (CHD) beat BhavikaKukadiya (GUJ) 3-1 (11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5) in the Women’s Class-6 category

Baby Sahana (TN) beat PruthviBarve (MHR) 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-3) in the Women’s Class 9-10 category

Prachi Pandey (UP) beat Dhwani Shah (GUJ) 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-2) in the Women’s Class 7 category