The Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) represents India’s commitment to promoting para sports and creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities. This multi-sport event, organized under the Khelo India initiative, has quickly become a significant platform for showcasing exceptional talent and fostering inclusivity in Indian sports.
History and Evolution
The Khelo India Para Games was initially conceptualized to provide a dedicated platform for para-athletes in India. Though originally scheduled to debut in 2018, the inaugural edition was eventually held in December 2023 in New Delhi. The second edition took place from March 20-27, 2025, also in New Delhi, marking the event’s establishment as an annual fixture in India’s sporting calendar.
Key milestones:
Initially planned for 2018 but postponed
First edition successfully conducted in December 2023
Second edition held in March 2025, solidifying its annual status
KIPG 2025: Event Overview
The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games featured approximately 1,300 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories competing across six para sports disciplines. The event was conducted across three major venues in New Delhi and witnessed significant participation from technical officials, volunteers, support staff, and classifiers.
Participation statistics:
1,200+ athletes
200+ technical officials
150+ volunteers
350+ support staff
300+ escorts
20+ classifiers
Sports and Venues
KIPG 2025 featured six para sports disciplines spread across three premier sporting venues in New Delhi. Each venue was specifically chosen to accommodate the unique requirements of the different sports.
| Sport | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Para Archery | March 22-23, 2025 | Football Training Ground, JLN Stadium |
| Para Athletics | March 21-23, 2025 | JLN Stadium |
| Para Powerlifting | March 23-26, 2025 | Weightlifting Auditorium, JLN Stadium |
| Para Badminton | March 20-22, 2025 | Gymnastics Hall, IG Stadium |
| Para Table Tennis | March 25-27, 2025 | Gymnastics Hall, IG Stadium |
| Para Shooting | March 21-25, 2025 | Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range |
Medal Tally and Performance
The KIPG 2025 witnessed fierce competition among participating states, with Haryana emerging as the overall champion. This continued their dominance from the previous edition, where they had also secured the top position.
Final medal standings (KIPG 2025):
Champion: Haryana
First Runner-up: Tamil Nadu
Second Runner-up: Uttar Pradesh
Medal tally from inaugural edition (2023):
Haryana: 40 gold, 39 silver, 26 bronze
Uttar Pradesh: Second position
Tamil Nadu: Third position
Notable Achievements
The second edition of KIPG was marked by several remarkable performances and record-breaking achievements:
18 national records were established during the games
Women athletes set 12 out of the 18 national records
SAI Gandhinagar powerlifters dominated with 10 medals, including 7 golds
Four powerlifting national records were created by NCOE campers from SAI Gandhinagar
