Khelo India Para Games 2025: Sports Minister Declares 2nd  Edition Open; Over 1300 Para-Athletes To Compete

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New Delhi, Mar 20: In the vibrant atmosphere of here at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall within the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, the much-anticipated 2nd Khelo India Para Games were inaugurated on Thursday (March 20).

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports along with Labour & Employment, played a pivotal role in launching the event, establishing a significant platform for over 1300 para-athletes who will compete across six diverse sports disciplines over the course of eight days (March 20-27).

This year's opening ceremony was marked by a special torch rally that saw the participation of six Paralympians - Simran Sharma and Preeti Pal from athletics, alongside Praveen Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, and Nitya Sre from badminton.

They were joined by prominent figures including Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment; Sri Kento Jini, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; and the President of the Paralympic Committee of India and former Paralympian, Sri Devendra Jhajharia. This unique procession not only highlighted the athletes’ indomitable spirit but also formally marked the commencement of the 2025 Khelo India Para Games.

Dr. Mandaviya expressed his enthusiasm for the Khelo India initiative, describing it as an overarching canopy for athletes nationwide aiming for glory. "I am immensely proud and elated by the contributions made by Khelo India to Indian sports. Be it Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India School Games, Khelo India Winter Games or Khelo India Para Games, our athletes are making the country proud through their talent everywhere," he affirmed.

The commitment of these games towards fostering athletic talent in India was further underscored by Dr. Mandaviya's reflection on the recent success at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where India secured a total of 29 medals.

"When one is determined, is heading in the right direction, and is working hard, the result is always positive. The success at Paris Paralympics 2024, where we won a total of 29 medals proved that our athletes have the potential to make the country proud on the global stage. Through Khelo India Para Games, our athletes are getting the best opportunity and they are paving the pathway to success. This is exactly what our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had envisaged," Dr. Mandaviya highlighted.

Dr. Virendra Kumar also praised the initiative, recognizing it as a premier platform for Indian athletes to not only compete but also to showcase their skill set to the public. He mentioned, "Khelo India Para Games 2025 is a world-class platform for Indian athletes to compete among each other and portray their talent publicly. At the same time, it also provides a chance to the para-athletes to not just prove themselves but also inspire others through their challenging journey".

The gathering included a diverse group of athletes, coaches, and support staff from across the nation, with Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), and senior officials from the Sports Authority of India were also in attendance, all of whom bore witness to the grand unveiling of an event that promises to be a cornerstone in the development of sports within the country.

The Khelo India Para Games are integral to the Khelo India mission, aimed at creating a nurturing environment for athletes to demonstrate their abilities and competitive spirit.

Following the successful launch of the first edition in December 2023, which saw games played across seven sports disciplines in New Delhi, the second edition promises even more excitement with competitions in para-athletics, para archery, para powerlifting, para-badminton, para table tennis, and para shooting.

As the games progress at three distinct venues, it's clear that the Khelo India Para Games are more than just a sporting event; they are a testament to the resilience, determination, and prowess of India's para-athletes.