‘Ujjwala,’ a sparrow, has been revealed as the official mascot for the Khelo India – Para Games 2023. This small sparrow represents the pride of Delhi, and its distinctive qualities embody determination and empathy. As the mascot for Khelo India – Para Games 2023, Ujjwala serves as a reminder that strength manifests in various forms, and the indomitable human spirit prevails.
Among the distinguished guests were former Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor, and Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar. The presence of renowned para athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara, and Sumit Antil added a special touch to the occasion.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of an inclusive sports ecosystem, Shri Anurag Thakur expressed his congratulations on the launch of the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games. He credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for turning Khelo India into a household name and a movement. Thakur highlighted the absence of Para Games in recent years and expressed delight in including them this year, making it a total of 11 Khelo India Games since 2018.
The Union Minister shared that the budget for Khelo India, sanctioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was Rs 3,000 crores for the last four years. He joyfully announced an increase to more than Rs 3300 crores for the next five years. Thakur emphasized the significance of Khelo India Games in identifying talent across the country and contributing to India’s success in prestigious multi-discipline events. With the introduction of Khelo India Para Games, he believes talented para athletes can now be identified and supported to achieve desirable results for the country.
Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt praised the Indian Government for initiating such a commendable effort and expressed anticipation for watching these athletes in action. He extended his best wishes to all the players participating in Khelo India Para Games.
Pramod Bhagat, a Para Athlete who secured a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Para-badminton, shared his excitement after the unveiling event of Khelo India Para Games. He expressed belief in the promising future of Para Games, particularly for young people and para athletes. Bhagat also highlighted the potential for coaches to use their training to enhance athletic talents, preparing participants for increased national and international participation, starting with the Khelo Para Games. He lauded it as one of the most significant initiatives launched by Khelo India.
The inaugural Khelo India Para Games is expected to have over 1400 participants from 32 states and union territories, including the Services Sports Control Board. The para athletes will compete in seven disciplines, namely para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis, and para weightlifting. The events will take place across three SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, and the JLN Stadium.