Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announces first-ever edition of Khelo India Para Games

The event is set to feature seven sporting disciplines.

In a historic move, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday (November 22nd) announced the first-ever edition of the Khelo India Para Games, which will be held from December 10-17 in New Delhi. The event will witness over 1350 para-athletes from across 32 states and UT competing in seven disciplines, namely athletics, badminton, chess, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and wheelchair basketball.

The Khelo India Para Games is a part of the Khelo India initiative, which aims to promote sports and fitness among the youth of the country. The event will also serve as a platform to identify and nurture talented specially-abled athletes, who can represent India at the international level.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said, “With great joy and satisfaction, I’m pleased to announce that the first edition of Khelo India Para Games will be held from 10 to 17 December in New Delhi. With over 1350 participants from across 32 states and UT’s participating in 7 disciplines, it is going to be a game-changer in our quest to improve para-sports in our country and in identifying and aiding talented specially-abled athletes.”

He added, “I am sure that the first edition of the Khelo India Para Games will be a successful one and I extend my best wishes to the para-athletes for the upcoming games.”

The announcement comes on the heels of the stellar performance of the Indian para-athletes at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023, where they won 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze medals. India finished fifth in the overall medals tally, behind China, Iran, Japan, and Korea. The Indian para-athletes also broke several records and created history in various events.

The Khelo India Para Games will provide an opportunity for the para-athletes to showcase their skills and spirit at the national level, and also inspire many others to take up sports as a means of empowerment and inclusion. The event will also raise awareness and appreciation for the achievements and challenges of the specially-abled athletes, who have overcome many barriers and obstacles to pursue their dreams and passions.

Furthermore the maiden edition will be held at various venues in New Delhi, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Indira Gandhi Stadium, the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, the Talkatora Swimming Pool, the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The event will be broadcast live on various platforms, such as Doordarshan, Hotstar and YouTube.

The Khelo India Para Games is expected to be a landmark event in the history of Indian sports, and a celebration of the courage and spirit of the para-athletes, who are the true heroes of our nation.