Khelo India Para Games Raising Standards, Boosting Competitiveness: Paralympics Gold Medallist Harvinder Singh

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The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG 2025) is set to commence on Thursday (March 20), and 2024 Paralympics gold medalist Harvinder Singh is eagerly looking forward to it.

The 34-year-old archer believes that the competition has elevated the standards of para sports in India, providing young athletes with a prominent platform to showcase their abilities.

Harvinder commended the format and selection process of the event, emphasizing how it motivates athletes to push their limits.

"The top 16 athletes at the national level are selected for the Khelo India Para Games. It motivates all athletes to win medals at the national level. If an athlete is unable to win a medal, then they try their best to finish in the top 16 to be eligible to compete in the KIPG. This kind of procedure and system inspires athletes to perform to the best of their abilities. This is the second edition of KIPG 2025, so it feels good to see para sports growing in India," Harvinder told SAI Media.

The archer, who won gold in the inaugural edition of KIPG in December 2023, continued his winning streak by claiming a double Olympic medal in Paris last year. He secured gold in the individual recurve open event, following his bronze medal achievement at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Now, Harvinder is excited to compete again at KIPG 2025, highlighting how the event has set new benchmarks for sports competitions in the country.

"I was very happy that a tournament of this level is organised. Last time when I competed in KIPG, it felt like we were in an international level event. The set-up, schedule and the arrangements were of the highest quality. Since then, I knew that India is capable of hosting any international tournament. This time around, I am expecting a similar scale and I am eager to return to the field," Harvinder said.

The recent World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in New Delhi, along with the upcoming World Para Athletics 2025 scheduled in August, further underscores India's commitment to para sports. Harvinder praised the government's consistent support and the increasing involvement of private organizations in the development of para athletes.

"The top schemes of the government are putting focus on para sports. There is also growing interest in para athletes among private organisations. They are supporting para athletes and society is becoming more inclusive. India is now adopting and recognising para sports and our performances. In tournaments such as KIPG 2025, the participation of athletes is constantly increasing which is a sign that India is developing overall in the sports sector," he said.

The KIPG 2025 will feature over 1,200 athletes competing across six disciplines over seven days. The events will be held at three prominent venues in New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.