Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said more than 1,350 participants from across 32 states and Union Territories will take part in seven disciplines at the first-ever Khelo India Para Games to be held in Delhi from December 10 to 17.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the minister called the Games to be a “game-changer” in the quest to improve the status quo of para sports in India, and in identifying and aiding talented athletes with disability.
In October, India para athletes returned from the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023 with a rich haul of medals. The Indian contingent finished fifth in the overall tally with a record 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. The team won four medals more than that won by the Indian Asian athletes in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 held from September 19 to October 8.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) lauded the step taken by the Indian government to organise the Khelo India Para Games. “Indeed a milestone endeavour to empower our para-athletes! Heartiest wishes to all the participants as they prepare to triumph hard and shine bright,” the SAI handle posted on X.
