New Delhi: Romica Sharma remains a very important figure in Sheetal Devi’s life. While the inspirational teenager Sheetal turns heads around the world, Romica quietly does the job as one of the most integral figures in Sheetal’s support team.

Sheetal is competing in the Compound Women’s Open category at the Para Archery event of the Khelo India Para Games. She has already made it to the finals, scheduled on Saturday December 16.

“Sheetal was not competing for a while after the Asian Para Games but now I’m happy with her scores here. She has made it to the final in a good fashion and Sheetal tells me that she is happy with the arrangements here at the Khelo India Para Games. There is no difference between this competition and international tournaments,” Romica said.

Romica, a compound archer herself, is the escort of Sheetal during international events. The J&K duo is currently at the JLN Stadium and the chemistry between them cannot be missed.

“I feel very happy to be Sheetal’s escort. I met her at the Nationals three years back on the request of coach Kuldeep Vedwan and from then, I started being close to her,” Romica mentioned on the sidelines of the Khelo India Para Games.

Apart from helping para athletes during their day-to-day activities, the work of an escort involves off-field assistance as well. Speaking on her everyday work with Sheetal, the 22-year-old adds, “I oversee her practice sessions, carry the arrows, luggages, besides supervising her stretching work as well as ensuing her scoring. Off the field also, I help in feeding her as well as speaking to her whenever she needs a helping hand.

“I feel more like a sister to her [Sheetal] even though I’m a good friend of her,” continues Romica. “Whenever she is travelling anywhere alone, I feel anxious on how she is doing. She is a little ‘ziddi’ (persistent) as well as ‘masoom’ (innocent) and also watches a lot of serials!

“We are inseparable,” Romica said.

Romica also recalled moments from the Asian Para Games 2022 where Sheetal won three medals (2 gold, 1 silver) and made history, becoming the first armless archer in the world to do so.

“I was standing just beside her during the last arrows in the Individual Compound final (where Sheetal won the gold). There was tension all around and I missed Kuldeep sir there. But I kept telling her, ‘Tujhe coach ne jo sikhaya, who yaad rakh’ (Remember what coach sir taught you!),” mentions Romica.

New Delhi, 15^th December 2023: One has to fight their own battles, they say. However, it is rare that one individual’s kindness and unflinching support could transform the lives of hundreds of children suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP). These children are really ‘special’ because they know how to rise against the odds in a society that disowns and discriminates them.

The inaugural Khelo India Para Games 2023 underway in Delhi have not only exposed more than 1400 athletes with special abilities but brought to light people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and far away from media spotlight to bring a smile on young boys and girls who suffer from cerebral palsy. Girija Kumari Madhu, a very unique person in the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) ecosystem, is one of them.

CP is a dreaded neurological disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood, permanently affecting body movement and muscle coordination, generally due to abnormalities inside the developing brain. There is no proper data on the number of people suffering from CP in India but Kavita Suresh, the general secretary of CPSFI, says the “number can be more than a crore.”

Girija, a normal housewife, resolved three years back to help CP children regain their identity and have the requisite skills to earn their livelihood on their own terms. She decided to dedicate her entire life and savings for the betterment of these special kids. Today, it is showing results.

“Three years ago during a meeting with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) I got to know about Cerebral Palsy football. I was involved in playing football as a normal kid since I was 14 and from my experience I felt that football is a wonderful tool to transform a normal person. Today, I am very happy that these kids, who couldn’t even walk properly, are running around and playing football so well and winning tournaments,” said Girija.

“The conditions of these kids are really horrible. Their parents lock these kids in one room and do not let them come out or meet other people due to fear of embarrassment. They do not receive proper education. I thought if my kids weren’t normal then I would have also quietly suffered along with them. So, I told myself I have to do something about it.”

The 49-year-old Girija, who doubles up as the manager, was delighted to see Kerala score 21 goals without reply against Punjab in their opening Khelo India Para Games group match at the JLN campus on Thursday. On Friday, Kerala thumped Jharkhand by an identical margin (21-0).

Having won four national tournaments since they started competing in 2022, Kerala are favourites to win the gold at Khelo India Para Games 2023, with 23-year-old skipper Sijo George brilliantly holding centre stage in a team that has been playing an intelligent short-passing game to outwit opponents.
Girija floated the Cerebral Palsy Football Association of Kerala (CPSAK) three years back and identified kids in her native town of Alappuzha to begin playing football. However, the association didn’t receive recognition from the Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC). It meant there was no financial support.
“She is a very special and unique woman. Someone with zero funding can do so much is absolutely amazing. Her grit and determination inspires us as a national federation,” said Kavita.

However, the strong-minded mother of two didn’t give up and even went on to mortgage her gold ornaments to meet training and food expenses of the 20 CP kids. A graduate from the FIFA-CIES international programme in sports management, exclusively offered in the South Asia region by Pillai Institute in Navi Mumbai, Girija established the Amogha Foundation realising the need to upskill these kids.

“We are upskilling them. We are training them in data analytics, graphic designing, and fine arts.  They can do many things. After three months training we are identifying their area of skills. Everyone has separate skills. First time we are doing that. We have professionals from the foundation to identify each kids’ talent. So, this will help them earn their own living with prestige and respect. If we receive better financial support, the sky’s the limit,” she said.

After the foundation’s story and the plight of the CP kids was highlighted by a local newspaper, Buimerc Foundation came to the rescue. They decided to fund the training and travel expenses of the Kerala team members. Ernakulam-based Oorjja Foundation has pledged their support in getting placements for these special kids.

“The Khelo India Para Games have been a great opportunity. These Games are the right catalyst to foster a sports revolution. The Sports Authority of India has been very supportive and to see our team travel to Delhi and play with so many other special athletes is a dream come true. We are counting on support from Kerala so that we can bring more joy to people suffering from CP,” said Girija.

New Delhi, 12 December 2023: When the 200m final of the T64 category started at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday, it was being telecast live on a big screen at Annai Vailankanni College in Tambaram, Tamil Nadu, thousands of kilometers away from here because one of the blade runners of this college, Rajesh K was participating in the first-ever Khelo India Para Games.
 
The college administration wanted every child to see Rajesh performing because his story is that of immense courage.
 
Rajesh lit up the track of JLN Stadium with his performance and won the gold medal in 200 meters. After this, Rajesh also took part in long jump on Tuesday but he finished disappointingly in fifth place. But there is no place for words like disappointment or frustration in the personal life of Rajesh, who lost his leg at the age of just 6 months.
 
The personal life of Rajesh, who practices under the supervision of Nitin Choudhary at the Sai Center in Gandhinagar (Gujarat), is full of such incidents that would make anyone sigh, but he never considered himself an object of pity. Rajesh wants to register his name in history.
 
Rajesh said, “I want to earn a name like India’s gold medal winning Paralympian Mariyappan Thangavelu. I want to be like German para long jump athlete Markus Rehm, who made the world record in the T64 long jump category. Disability never became an obstacle in my path. I never let it affect me and always thought like a normal person. I have never made myself an object of pity.”
 
When asked whether he was disabled by birth, Rajesh said, “No, I am not disabled by birth. I was born a normal child but due to an infection in my legs, I had to undergo treatment. While giving the injection, the needle broke in my leg and the poison spread due to this. Then, following the advice of my parents, the doctors amputated my leg to save my life,” recalled Rajesh of his agony.
 
Rajesh told that at the age of 10 months, he got his first artificial leg, with the help of which he started living his future life, but when he was in class seventh, his parents left him.
 
According to Rajesh, “Life seemed normal after getting an artificial leg but then my parents separated with mutual consent. We did not get anyone’s support. My twin brother and I were forced to live with our grandfather and grandmother. My grandfather raised us by driving an auto.”
 
On how he got into running despite having artificial legs, 24-year-old Rajesh said, “I have been doing blade running for the last five or six years. I started my journey in 2018 but in the year 2016, I was inspired by watching Mariyappan Thangavelu winning the T42 category high jump gold medal on television at the Rio Paralympics and since then I had decided that I too want to become an Olympian.”
 
Rajesh further said, “One day a friend of mine called and said that your dream of playing for the country can be fulfilled. You meet Vijay, Tamil Nadu’s first wheelchair player. When I met him at Nehru Stadium, he advised me to take up blade running. I started practicing in 2018 and played Nationals twice. I won the bronze medal in the 21st Para Nationals held in Pune in March 2023. After this, the Tamil Nadu government gave me a new blade, which costs Rs 7.50 lakh.”
 
Rajesh told that his aim is to participate in Paralympics and Para Asian Games. “I want to win medal for the country in Paralympic and Para Asian Games. Right now I am preparing for the Para Nationals to be held in Goa from 9th to 15th January. There is less cold there, so my performance will be better. After this I want to prepare for the Grand Prix to be held in Dubai in February 2024.”

New Delhi, 12 December 2023: Skill, will and thrill were on view as the athletes cranked up their game to corner glory in the Khelo India Para Games in the Capital on Tuesday. Seasoned star and Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist Yogesh Kathuniya of Haryana bagged a gold in the discus throw for F56 category with an effort of 40.09m. The 26-year-old, who developed a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome when he was only nine years old, took up para sports in 2017. He tried several disciplines but instantly fell in love with discus throw.
 
Kathuniya will be vying to bag the honours in the Paris Paralympics next year and will remain the focus as India’s para athletes prepare for the Summer Games. In the same category, Birbhadra Singh of UP finished second with a throw of 36.24m and Tamil Nadu’s Prakash V clinched a bronze with 33.91m.
 
Meanwhile another international star Paramjeet Kumar, who won India’s first ever World Championships medal in powerlifting, lived up to the billing in power lifting for the elite 49kg category. Paramjeet Kumar stole the show with his exploits in the powerlifting arena as he won gold with a massive 150kg in the Elite 49kg category.
 
For someone who has brought laurels to India in the international stage and won the biggest medals, his performance in the Khelo India was inspirational. Paramjeet’s presence meant the lesser known athletes could also find inspiration and get their competitive juices flowing.
 
Coming second in the same section was Dilip Shukla of Gujarat with 121 kg for silver. The bronze medal was won by Mayabhai Bhammar, also from Gujarat. Mayabhai came up with a best effort of 105kg for bronze.
 
Jaspreet Kaur won the paralifting gold medal in the elite 45kg category with an inspired effort of 85kg at the Khelo India Para Games on Tuesday. The girl from Punjab stood head and shoulders above the rest of the field, even as Sapna Shah from Gujarat took silver with 47kg. Sonam Patil of Maharashtra won bronze, with her best of 40kg.
 
In the elite 41kg category, Manpreet Kaur looked in sublime form as she managed a massive effort of 85kg in her third effort. Shukla Bidkar of Maharashtra came second for a silver finish (50kg) while Nayna Rabari of Gujarat was third. Her bronze effort was 47kg.
 
Haryana rule the track & field events
 
In the men’s 400 metre run, T11 category, Madan from Haryana was confidence personified as he clocked 1:00.13. Coming in second was Temara Santosh of Haryana, in 1:05.15 Karnataka’s Ravi Kumar Bhankalagi was content with bronze. His timing was 1:07.99.
 
The women’s shotput final was engrossing as Poonam Sharma of Haryana won gold in 6.99 metres in the F56 and 57 category. Mir Sadika of Gujarat was winner of the silver medal as she competed fiercely to showcase her talent. Her effort was 6.89 metres. Minakshi H Jadhav knew the field was a hard one. Yet, her 5.16 metres for bronze was creditable.
 
M. Bhavani of Andaman and Nicobar came up with a 3.02 metre effort in women’s long jump in the T63 and 64 category. Thakor Nisha from Gujarat was happy to win silver, her effort being 2.86 metres.
 
In the captivating javelin event in F53 and 54 category, Dipesh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh sealed gold as he showed a best of 26.05 metres. It was fight between him and his statemate Pradeep Kumar, who won silver, just behind in 25.30 metres. Sumit from Haryana won bronze, way back in 16.75 metres.
 
Assam’s Anismita Konwar leapt to 3.65 metres for gold medal in the T20, 37 and 38 category. Bina Mordiya from Gujarat was fired up and her 3.08 metres effort was good for silver. Pooja from Haryana came third.
 
Nehal Gupta of UP clinches gold in men’s singles badminton
 
Men’s Singles: SL3: Nehal Gupta (UP) beat Umesh Vikram Kumar (Bihar) 19-21, 21-7, 21-17; SU5 category: Dev Rathi (Har) beat Hardik Makkar, 19-21, 21-19, 21-19; WH-1 category: Shashank Kumar (UP) beat Ankit Pradhan (WB) 21-7, 21-9; WH-2 category: Sanjeev Kumar (Pun) beat Manjunath Chikkaiah (Kar) 21-12, 21-7;
SH6 category: Sudarsan M S (TN) and Dhinagaran P 21-16, 21-17; SL4 category:
Naveen Sivakumar (TN) beat Abhijeet Sakhuja (Chh) 22-20, 21-14;
 
Women’s Singles: SL3 category: Neeraj (Har) beat Parul Parmar of Gujarat 19-21, 21-19, 21-14;  SU5 category: Arati Patil (Mah) beat Latika 15-21, 22-20, 21-8 (Har);
SH6 category: Nithya Sre (TN) beat  Rachana Patel 21-4, 21-7 (Guj); SL4 category: Jyoti (Har) beat Chiranjita Bharali (Assam) 21-9, 21-5 ; WH1 category:, Pallavi K M (Kar) beat Rupadevi Padala (Arunachal) 11-21, 21-17, 21-18

New Delhi, 8^th December 2023: A career-threatening injury at the Asian Para Games in 2018 almost ended para powerlifter Ashok’s hopes of standing on the podium for India at a major event. But it was his sheer guts and never-say-die attitude that helped him realise his dream four years later at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games recently where he won a bronze medal.

Now, Ashok is eager and all-set to take part in the first ever Khelo India Para Games and show what determination and faith in one’s own abilities can bring to the fore. Representing the Haryana state, home to several Olympic medallists including golden boy Neeraj Chopra,  Ashok will join a mega contingent of 243 para athletes who are all-set to put up a grand show of perseverance and ensure Haryana finishes on the top at the first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023 scheduled to begin in New Delhi from this Sunday, 10^th December 2023.

“Since the day Khelo India first edition was held in 2018, all para-athletes used to think when will we get chance to be part of Khelo India Games. Finally the day has come. Representing India at international level is the ultimate dream for any athlete, but such has been the buzz around Khelo India Games that we all are looking forward to be part of it,” says an upbeat Ashok.

A victim of spurious polio drop, Ashok’s legs were severely affected resulting in him being confined to a wheelchair very early in his childhood. His interest in powerlifting stemmed from his desire to have a good physique like many Bollywood actors. He says, “I used to see Salman Khan, the movie Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), Sanjay Dutt and felt like I must also have a physique like them. There was nothing that I could do with my lower body, but I wanted to really build my upper body.”

Accompanied by his friends, Ashok joined a gym but often became a subject of laughter. Many ridiculed him for his disability. But Ashok never gave up. Very soon he started lifting heavier weights compared to his fellow able-bodied gym mates. This egged him on to take the sport seriously and started representing his state at the National level tournament.

But his elevation as a para-lifter was deterred by a career-threatening injury. In 2018, at the Para-Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Ashok suffered a severe hand injury. His injury was such that both his radius and ulna bones were crushed and protruded out of his skin. After examining Ashok, the doctors opined that his career in para sports was over.

“The doctors told me that you will never be able to lift anything heavier than one kilogram and that my sports career was over. I was totally shattered as there was nothing, I had done in my life apart from power-lifting,” says Ashok remembering those gloomy days.

His injury was not the only setback Ashok faced that year. Tragically, his father had expired just months before the Asian Para Games and the financial responsibility to take care of his family had fallen on his shoulders. But his mother and coaches continued to back his dreams of winning a medal for India in powerlifting.

“Ashok is a very humble boy. He is very much connected to his roots. I don’t think any other athlete could have dreamed to take the sport again after such freak accident. I could see his bone coming out of skin but it is his sheer determination and mother’s prayers that he has not only come back but come back with a bang,” says J P Singh, Chief Coach, Para Powerlifting of India.

Para Power-lifting events start from 12^th of December, 2023 at Delhi’s JLN Stadium

New Delhi, 6^th December 2023: As the countdown to the Khelo India Para Games reaches its final stages, Delhi State stands on the cusp of making history. The capital is not only prepared to host a world-class sporting event but is also eager to showcase its unwavering support for para athletes. As preparations are in full swing to host the inaugural Khelo India Para Games starting 10^th December, athletes and enthusiasts alike are buzzing with excitement, ready to showcase the city’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness and excellence in sports for all.

Delhi has made significant strides in embracing para sports, dismantling barriers and challenging stereotypes that have long confined differently-abled athletes. The state’s proactive measures in providing accessible facilities, specialized training programs, and unwavering support for para athletes have laid the foundation for a flourishing para sports community.

“You always expect Delhi to be at fore-front of para games because there is more awareness about these sports in the country’s capital. If you just look around there is great infrastructure in every part of the city. There are coaches who have spent years training para sportspersons and know how to get the best of the athlete,” says Dr Satyapal Singh, a Dronacharya Awardee.

Till now, Delhi has confirmed a contingent of 98 para athletes and is confident to finish within the top 3 of the final medal tally.  

Delhi takes pride in its para athletes who have overcome adversity with determination and resilience. Sharad Kumar, Raman Jee, Narayan Thakur , Simran Sharma etc are some of the many exceptional para athletes that have excelled on the national stage but have also made a mark internationally.

Nidhi Mishra, a para athlete from Delhi, expresses her excitement ahead of the Games. “The Khelo India Para Games are a great platform for all para athletes. It’s not just about competition; it’s about celebrating our abilities and breaking down barriers. Delhi has been a pioneer in creating an inclusive sports environment, and hosting these Games is a testament to our commitment to para sports.”

For Delhi’s para athletes, the event holds a special significance. Performing on their home turf adds an extra layer of excitement as their family members and friends can witness their achievements first hand. Narayan Thakur, winner of 2 bronze medals at recently held 4^th Asian Para Games, emphasizes, “For us, Delhi para athletes, it will be an exhilarating experience to perform in front of our families and friends. Their presence adds an emotional touch to the competition, and we are eager to make them proud on our home ground.”
 The excitement for the Khelo India Para Games is not confined to the city’s infrastructure but resonates deeply within the hearts of the para athletes themselves.

Yogita Bali, a budding para athlete, shares, “The Khelo India Para Games are not just a competition; they represent a dream realized for many of us. To compete in front of our fellow Delhiites, friends, and family is an opportunity of a lifetime. The support we feel from our community is truly empowering, and we are ready to give our best performances.”

 Delhi’s excitement for the Khelo India Para Games extends beyond the participants to their families and fans. The prospect of witnessing these extraordinary athletes perform on a grand stage has ignited a fervor among locals. The city eagerly anticipates cheering for its own, knowing that the Games will be a source of inspiration for future generations.

New Delhi, 30^th November 2023: Indian Paralympian and high jumper Nishad Kumar hailed the efforts of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to host the first-ever Khelo India Para Games. He says that the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games under the able leadership of Shri. Narendra Modi is a stepping stone for athletes at grassroot level to show the world what they are capable of and will also benefit the players immensely.
 
Nishad, who made his maiden Paralympic Games appearance in 2020 Tokyo representing India, won Silver medal in the Men’s high jump T47 category. In doing so, he also created a new Asian record of 2.06m. In the 2022 Asian Para Games, he clinched the Gold medal in the Men’s high jump T47 at Hangzhou, China.
 
“When I met the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi after the 2022 Asian Para Games, he said that they have a Special Olympics Scheme for the specially-abled and will provide world-class facilities to the athletes participating. It is great to see that all the players have access to the facilities. Besides this, it is also great to see our Hon’ble Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur taking an active part in this and motivating the athletes to perform.” 
 
“At the same time, I also believe that Khelo India Para Games will help in getting that confidence in the athletes so that they can perform anywhere in the world. Through Khelo India Para Games, the players will have an opportunity to showcase their abilities and find recognition. The Games will also be a platform for scouting budding athletes who can go on to represent India at the global level,” Nishad added.
 
Nishad hails from Baduan village of Amb sub-division in Una District, Himachal Pradesh. His father is a farmer and his mother has been a state-level volleyball player and a discus thrower. It comes no surprise that his mother has been his inspiration.
 
The high jumper also talked about the sports ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh. He said, “Comparing to other states, the sports ecosystem is slowly and gradually growing. I also met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He said that in March 2024, they will be coming out with new sports policy. I am sure that in coming years, there will be a lot more athletes from Himachal Pradesh bringing laurels and accolades for the country.”
 
“I would also like to say that one should believe in himself/herself. Don’t think about the adverse circumstances that surround you. Focus on your training and always give your 100% to get the result you want,” he signed off.
 
Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully held. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games.
The first-ever Khelo India Para Games is scheduled to be held from 10th December to 17th December 2023.
 
Over 1,400 participants from across 32 states and union territories including Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the JLN Stadium.

New Delhi, 28^th November 2023: Para Badminton star Pramod Bhagat lauded the efforts of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to host the first-ever Khelo India Para Games and believes that this initiative will boost India’s medal tally in major multi-discipline events such as the Olympics and Asian Games.
 
Bhagat currently is ranked world no.2 in para badminton men’s singles SL3, and won a gold medal at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. At the recent Hangzhou Asian Para Games, Bhagat clinched a gold in men’s singles, a bronze each in men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
 
Bhagat said, “After the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with us (para athletes) just like he met with the able-bodied athletes. When he spoke with us, he had expressed that all sports are equal and I feel like we a reaping results because of this thought of the Prime Minister to provide equal opportunity to us.”
 
“After that meeting with the PM, we all hoped that a Khelo India Games will be held for para athletes too and I am very happy and excited that the first-ever Khelo India Para Games is set to begin in New Delhi this December. I certainly feel that Khelo India Para Games will further boost the para sports eco system in the country, help identify a larger talent pool and it will help increase the medal tally in upcoming Paralympics and Asian Para Games,” added Bhagat.
 
Bhagat further stated that, the Khelo India initiative has aided in developing a strong state-wise sports eco system with state governments promoting all disciplines in order to perform well in these annual Khelo India Games. Now with the inaugural edition of Khelo India Para Games, one can witness similar efforts by state governments to promote para sports. He said, “I believe this initiative will give a new future for para athletes. Earlier, para sports was mostly a national-level initiative but now under the Khelo India flagship, all states will also establish a strong system to promote para sports.”
 
Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully held. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. The first-ever Khelo India Para Games is scheduled to be held from 10^th December to 17^th December 2023.
 
“I am very sure this platform will be well-utilised by para athletes. The Khelo India Para Games will definitely help in identifying many more talented para athletes and support them with TOPS scheme. In the recent Asian Para Games we finished 5^th in the overall medal tally with 111 medal and I can vouch that the initiatives taken by the government will help us reach top 3 in the next Asian Para Games,” Bhagat asserted.
 
Over 1400 participants from across 32 states and union territories including Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the JLN Stadium.

New Delhi, 26th November 2023: First-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023 logo and mascot Ujjwala was launched in New Delhi today by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and several eminent athletes and para-athletes.

‘Ujjwala’- a sparrow, was unveiled as the official mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023. The little sparrow is a symbol of the pride of Delhi and its uniqueness portrays determination and empathy. Ujjwala, as the mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023, is a reminder that strength comes in many forms and the human spirit is unbreakable.

Among the attendees, former Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor along with Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar were present.

The presence of star para athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil added to the special occasion.

Reflecting on the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of an inclusive sports eco system, Shri Anurag Thakur said, “On the occasion of the launch of the inaugural edition of the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, I would like to congratulate everyone. It is because of our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, that Khelo India has become a household name. It has become a movement from a scheme and Khelo India was missing the Para Games for the last few years. From 2018 till date, we have had 11 Khelo India Games, we are delighted to add Para Games this year.”

“Also, for the last four years, the budget for Khelo India was Rs 3,000 crores sanctioned by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and today, I am elated to announce that for the next five years, it has been increased to more than Rs 3300 crores,” he added.

Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully held. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. Thakur expressed that these Games have been instrumental in identifying talent across the country and has aided in India’s performance at the prestigious multi-discipline events. Now, with the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, talented para athletes keen on pursuing a career in para sports can be identified and further assisted in bringing desirable results for the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt said, “It is great to see the Government of India coming up with such a wonderful initiative. I am looking forward to see all these athletes in action. I would like to wish all the players participating in Khelo India Para Games best of luck.”

Sharing his excitement post the unveiled event of Khelo India Para Games, Para Athlete Pramod Bhagat, who won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Para-badminton, said, “I believe that the Para Games currently have a very promising future, particularly for young people and para athletes. Also, for the coaches who would be able to use their training to boost efforts on enhancing athletic talents and preparing them for India to witness increased participation in national and international tournaments beginning with the Khelo Para Games. It is one of the most significant initiatives launched by Khelo India.”

Over 1400 participants from across 32 states and union territories including Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the JLN Stadium.

“First-ever Khelo India Para Games shows government’s vision of inclusive
sports eco system,” says PCI President Deepa Malik

Haryana will field the largest contingent of the Games with 242 para athletes while Rajasthan will send a strong contingent of 140 para athletes and Uttar Pradesh will send a contingent of 125


New Delhi, 24th November 2023: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Friday lauded the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) initiative to host the first-ever Khelo India Para Games and called it the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of creating an inclusive sports eco system.

“I am very thrilled and overwhelmed that the first-ever Khelo India Para Games will be held in New Delhi this December. This initiative goes to show the government’s vision towards creating an inclusive sports eco system,” expressed Deepa Malik, president of PCI who is also the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympics in shot put.

The ‘Praise4Para’ hashtag campaign launched by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ahead of the prestigious Khelo India Para Games not only showcases the para athletes unprecedented rise in their performances at various national and international events but it also celebrates the joy of participation despite challenges.

“Personally, as someone with a disability and a para athlete now in an administrative role with the PCI, I am very happy that under the able leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his vision of sab ka saath sab ka vikas, no policy is leaving behind a disabled person. And specially the sports ecosystem has become so inclusive over the years. I thank the MYAS and Sports Authority of India (SAI) who along with PCI are working towards creating a platform where we will have hundreds of para athletes compete under the aegis of Khelo India,” Malik added.

In an overwhelming response to the first edition of Khelo India Para Games, over 1350 para athletes will descend in the capital come December. Haryana will see the largest contingent with 242 para athletes representing their state while Rajasthan will send a strong contingent of 140 para athletes and Uttar Pradesh will send a contingent of 125. Gujarat will have 100 para athletes vie for honours while host city Delhi will have 97 participants, Karnataka will send a contingent of 84 para athletes and Maharashtra will field 77 while Himachal Pradesh will participate with 24 athletes.

It’s also interesting to note that 442 in women’s category will take to the field while 885 men will participate across 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the JLN Stadium.

Recent Hangzhou Asian Para Games stars Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, Ekta Bhyan, Neeraj Yadav, Singhraj, Manish, Sonal, Rakesh Kumar, Sarita among others are expected to represent their respective states in the first edition of Khelo India Para Games.

New Delhi, 23rd November 2023: With a vision to identify talent and create an opportunity for young and aspiring para athletes to shine, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, announced the first-ever Khelo India Para Games which will be held in New Delhi from 10th December to 17th December.

Through a video message, Thakur said, “I am proud to announce that from December 10 to 17, the first-ever Khelo India Para Games will be held in various locations across New Delhi. A total of 7 disciplines will be held across three SAI (Sports Authority of India) Stadiums.”

The announcement is a big shot in the arm towards the government’s initiative to develop para sports in the country, and the event will help in identifying talented para athletes who will be further aided with ample support from SAI and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to hone their skills.

Over 1350 participants from across 32 states and union territories including the Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis, and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, and the JLN Stadium.

Recent Hangzhou Asian Para Games stars Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, Ekta Bhyan, Neeraj Yadav, Singhraj, Manish, Sonal, Rakesh Kumar, Sarita among others are expected to represent their respective states in the first edition of KheloIndia Para Games.

Lauding the efforts of Indian para athletes who won an unprecedented 111 medals at the recently concluded Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, Thakur emphasized that the KheloIndia Para Games will aim to provide continuity to the para athletes with the annually held event. “Just a few weeks back, our para athletes created history as they ended their Hangzhou Asian Para Games campaign with an unprecedented 111 medals, the biggest haul for the country in any major international multi-sport event and now continuity of the Para Games and creating more development in the Paralympic sports remains our foremost agenda. And the first-ever Khelo India Para Games is another big step towards the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji.”

Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully held. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games, and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. Thakur expressed that these Games have been instrumental in identifying talent across the country and have aided in India’s performance at the prestigious multi-discipline events.

He said, “The Khelo India Scheme has remained a game-changer for Indian sports. The Khelo India Games have played a pivotal role in the scheme with a total of 11 KheloIndia Games held since 2018 – 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games, and 3 Khelo India Winter Games have been successfully conducted.

“From these games, we have identified nearly 1000 talented athletes and many of them have participated in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympic Games. I wish the para athletes participating in the upcoming Games the very best,” Thakur expressed.

New Delhi, 30 December 2019: The Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal and the officials of the Khelo India Youth Games launched the torch relay of the competition in Guwahati on Sunday. The tournament will be held between 10 January 2020 to 22 January 2020. Chief Minister Sonowal asked the people of Assam to create a fantastic environment for all the athletes who will be participating in the third Khelo India Youth Games.

“Athletes from all over the country will be coming to Guwahati for the Khelo India Youth Games. The competition is a great opportunity for our athletes. On behalf of the Assam people, I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju for all their support. I would like to ask the people of Assam to create an environment wherein all the athletes carry out their events in a fantastic manner,” said Sonowal.

Sandeep Pradhan, Director General, Sports Authority of India said that he is extremely delighted to see the enthusiasm shown by the Assam Government for the conduct of the Kheo India Youth Games.

“It is a great honour for me to be here and to be part of this program. I am extremely delighted to see the enthusiasm the government of Assam has shown in conducting the Khelo India Youth Games. Sarbananda Sonowal sir has taken a great interest in the development of sports at a national level. He has taken a great interest to make Guwahati the sports capital of this country,” said Pradhan.

The opening ceremony of the third Khelo India Youth Games will take place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on January 10 2020 before the athletes take part in their respective events in full flow.
The preparations for the Khelo India Youth Games are being carried out in a fantastic manner. The officials of the competition are preparing a total of eight venues for the tournament and they are on track to make the Khelo India Youth Games one of the largest sporting spectacles of the country.