Anurag Thakur announces inauguration of Khelo India Para Games 2023 at a grand ceremony

New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur formally announced the inauguration of Khelo India Para Games 2023 at a grand ceremony at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi on Monday.

More than 1,450 participants from 32 states and union territories and services sports boards will participate in the games at three venues in Delhi between December 10 and 17.

In this grand program, there was a spectacular performance by the Himachal Pradesh Police Band, whose tune infused patriotism. Kalbeliya dance was also performed by SAI officials, which was followed by a spirited group presentation by the dance artists of ‘We Are One’ group, depicting Para dance. The Games anthem rocked the opening ceremony, while an LED dance display on the theme ‘Evolution of Para Games’ enthralled the audience.

Along with stalwarts in para-sports, Deepa Malik, Bhavina Patel, Sumit Antil and others, Thakur participated in the torch relay before announcing the start of the Khelo India Para Games.
“This is a historic moment for Indian sports as for the first time the Khelo India Para Games is being held in the national capital marking the beginning of a new movement in the sports ecosystem of the country. This initiative is an important step towards providing equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their ability. Khelo India Para Games is a symbol of the new India,” said Anurag Thakur.

Encouraging the participants, Anurag Thakur said, “I feel very proud to recognize your efforts in coming here and participating. “More than 3,000 people, including athletes and officials, have come here for the Games and a total of 276 gold medals are up for grabs.” I wish every athlete the best.”

Union Minister of State for Home, Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Paramanik congratulated the efforts of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), saying, “We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the use of the term Divyang. Instead of using the word disabled, he insisted on calling them Divyang. It is his visionary efforts that are encouraging people to change their thinking.

He said, “I also congratulate Anurag Thakur and the entire team of MYAS for their efforts in taking Indian sports to new heights through the Khelo India programme. There is no doubt that India can win more than 200 medals in the Asian Para Games by 2030.” Added.
The objective of the Central Government behind organizing Khelo India Para Games is to empower all the para athletes. The government has launched many major projects for the welfare of the disabled.

The inaugural Khelo India Para Games is being organized across three venues – Indira Gandhi Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Karni Singh Shooting Range. The competition will be held in seven para sports athletics, shooting, archery, football, badminton, table tennis and weightlifting. Some of India’s top international para stars like Sheetal Devi, Bhavana Patel, Ashok and others will participate.

After the immense success of Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games, now Khelo India Para Games are being organized and there is an atmosphere of celebration in the national capital regarding the Khelo India Para Games being organized for the first time. This week-long sports festival will be a symbol of inclusivity as well as celebrate human dignity.