PM Modi Extends Best Wishes to Athletes as First Khelo India Para Games Commence
New Delhi, 12th Dec. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to all the athletes participating in the inaugural Khelo India Para Games on Monday, describing it as a significant step towards inclusion and empowerment.
“As the First Khelo India Para Games begin, my best wishes to all those athletes who are taking part. It is a monumental step towards inclusion and empowerment!” Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur expressed confidence that India could aim for 200 medals in the 2030 Asian Para Games, nearly double the country’s historic tally in the recent edition held in China. India won a total of 111 medals, including 29 gold, in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, which took place in 2023 instead of 2022 due to a COVID-19 surge in China. The 2026 edition of the Asian Para Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
“If we can win 111 medals in the 2022 Asian Para Games, I believe we can achieve the goal of surpassing 200 medals in the 2030 Asian Para Games,” Thakur stated during the Games’ inauguration.
The inaugural Khelo India Para Games marks the beginning of a new movement in the country’s sports ecosystem. This initiative is a significant step towards providing equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their abilities. “Khelo India Para Games signifies a New India,” Thakur added.
More than 1400 para athletes from 32 states, union territories, and the Services Sports Board are participating in these Games, which are being held at three venues – Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, and Karni Singh Shooting Range – from December 10 to 17.
The competitions cover seven para sports – athletics, shooting, archery, football, badminton, table tennis, and weightlifting – with a total of 276 gold medals up for grabs. Notable Indian para athletes such as Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, and Pramod Bhagat are among the participants.
Thakur also attributed the increase in the sports budget as a significant factor in India’s rising medal count. “The sports budget has tripled compared to the 2014 budget. We have achieved success on the international sporting stage because of this increase,” he stated.
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a special video message to the participants.
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