Khelo India Para Games 2023: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur launches mascot Ujjwala and logo

The mascot, a sparrow, symbolizes the pride of Delhi and portrays determination and empathy.

The first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023 logo and mascot 'Ujjwala' were launched in New Delhi today by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, alongside several eminent athletes and para-athletes.

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

Among the attendees were former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor, and Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar.

The presence of star para-athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara, and Sumit Antil added to the occasion’s significance.

Reflecting on Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of an inclusive sports ecosystem, 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 due to our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that Khelo India has become a household name.

It has evolved 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, and 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 Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. 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, including 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 contributed to India’s performance at prestigious multi-discipline events.

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 to achieve 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 seeing all these athletes in action. I would like to wish all the players participating in Khelo India Para Games the best of luck.”

Sharing his excitement post the unveiling 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 the Services Sports Control Board, are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games.

The games will witness para-athletes vying for honors in 7 disciplines, including para-athletics, para shooting, para-archery, para football, para-badminton, para table tennis, and para weightlifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, and the JLN Stadium."