With just two days remaining, the National Capital is poised to witness history being made as it gets ready to host the first-ever Khelo India Para Games. The city welcomes the energetic mascot Ujjwala, a representation of Delhi’s pride whose individuality embodies empathy and tenacity, as well as the inspirational para-athletes who will take centre stage to amaze Indian audiences with their performances and demonstrate their abilities. Ujjwala personifies the essence of the Khelo India Para Games 2023, conveying a potent message that the human spirit is unbreakable and that strength can take many forms.
Delhi’s streets are festooned with vibrant murals honouring the occasion, fostering a genuinely jovial and joyous atmosphere. For the historic occasion, the city has undergone an aesthetic makeover to give spectators an immersive experience. Major city landmarks like Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar, and Connaught Place are also visited by Ujjwala. Additionally, there are places throughout the city where fans can go take selfies with the mascot, Ujjwala. These places are all geotagged.
According to Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, “Inclusivity is the spirit that drives the game forward, not just a goal.” We want to increase the impact of the Khelo India Para Games by finding and helping skilled para-athletes who will help India win more multi-discipline titles in the future. Let me start by congratulating everyone. Our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is the reason Khelo India is now well-known. From a scheme, it has evolved into a movement. We have held 11 Khelo India Games since 2018, but we are thrilled to add Para Games this year.”
The Khelo India Para Games, which showcase the incredible skill and perseverance of para-athletes from all over the nation, represent a significant step towards inclusivity in Indian sports. The nation’s capital is eager to witness these extraordinary athletes’ breathtaking feats of talent, commitment, and passion.
The games promise to be a spectacle of intense competition and camaraderie set against the backdrop of the capital’s grandeur. The athletes will take the stage, showing off their abilities across a range of sports, breaking down barriers and expanding the realm of what is possible. Delhi, a city renowned for its intense sports culture and rich cultural legacy, is gearing up to celebrate a momentous occasion, and the enthusiasm and excitement are evident.
Eleven Khelo India Games have been successfully held since 2018. Three Khelo India University Games, three Khelo India Winter Games, and five Khelo India Youth Games are included in this.
The dates of the inaugural Khelo India Para Games are set for December 10, 2023, through December 17, 2023. The first-ever Khelo India Para Games is expected to attract over 1,400 participants from 32 states and union territories. It also includ the Services Sports Control Board. Para-athletes will compete for titles in seven different disciplines, including para-athletics, para-shooting, para-archery, football, badminton, table tennis, and weight lifting. Three SAI stadiums—the IG Stadium, the JLN Stadium, and the Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad—will host the events.
