New Delhi: The Khelo India Para Games kicked off its second edition at the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, with union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya officially opening the event. Over the next eight days, some of India’s leading Paralympians will compete, with more than 1,300 para athletes participating across six sports: para athletics, para archery, para powerlifting, para badminton, para table tennis, and para shooting.

Mandaviya expressed, “When you’re determined and put in the effort, positive results follow. Our success at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where we secured 29 medals, showcases the potential of our athletes to bring pride to the nation on an international level. The Khelo India Para Games provide our athletes with an incredible opportunity, helping them carve their path to success, just as our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned.”

During the opening ceremony, six Paralympians—Simran Sharma (athletics), Praveen Kumar (badminton), Nitesh Kumar (badminton), Nitya Sre (badminton), and Preeti Pal (athletics)—joined Mandaviya in a special torch relay. The event was also attended by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, and the president of the Paralympic Committee of India, Devendra Jhajharia.

Khelo India Para Games 2025 is an amazing opportunity for Indian athletes to showcase their skills and compete against one another. It also gives para athletes a platform to demonstrate their abilities and inspire others with their incredible journeys, according to Mandaviya.

Some of the standout competitors include gold medal-winning archer from the Paris Paralympics, Harvinder Singh, club thrower Dharambir, and two-time Paralympic medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar.

The Games will take place at three locations: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, IG Stadium, and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, running until March 27.

Jhajharia, a three-time Paralympics medalist in javelin, mentioned that para athletes are now benefiting from top-notch facilities.

“The amenities available to these athletes meet international standards. Those competing in this tournament are likely to bring home even more international medals and make our country proud,” Jhajharia added.

Read Also: IPL 2025 Update: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants Shifted to Guwahati

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!