Synopsis
Navdeep Singh, the javelin thrower who clinched gold at the 2024 Paralympics, emphasizes the importance of the Khelo India Para Games in fostering para-athlete growth and highlights the government's commitment to advancing para sports in India.Key Takeaways
- Khelo India Para Games serves as a vital platform for para-athletes.
- Over 1200 athletes will participate across six disciplines.
- The event promotes training and motivation among senior athletes.
- Domestic tournaments are essential for talent discovery.
- Increased interest in para sports post-Paris Paralympics.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) The 2024 Paralympics gold medal-winning javelin thrower Navdeep Singh asserts that the Khelo India Para Games serves as a vital platform for the growth of para-athletes and showcases the government's strong commitment to fostering para sports in the nation.
The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG 2025) is scheduled to commence on Thursday. The Arjuna Award recipient elaborated on how this tournament contributes to the development of the sporting ecosystem for para-athletes.
“KIPG 2025 provides an excellent opportunity for senior athletes to compete against one another. We constantly motivate each other, which aids in assessing our training strategies and honing our strengths and weaknesses ahead of international events. Additionally, we connect with emerging athletes to share diverse ideas and insights regarding various competitions,” Navdeep shared with SAI Media.
More than 1200 athletes will compete across six disciplines during the week-long tournament at three venues – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and the Dr. Karni Singh shooting range in New Delhi.
The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games took place in December 2023 and was deemed a success. At least 25 athletes from the first KIPG were part of India’s 84-member contingent for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Navdeep Singh participated in KIPG 2023 and secured the silver medal. In Paris, he clinched the javelin throw gold medal in the F41 category. The para javelin thrower emphasized how domestic tournaments are pivotal in discovering talent in India and establishing a pipeline of para-athletes across various sports.
“In light of India's performance at the Paris Paralympics, there has been a surge of interest in the Para Games, attracting many young athletes. I am optimistic that the Khelo India Para Games 2025 will witness numerous new competitors. I hope the country discovers fresh talents that will pave the way for future prospects,” the 24-year-old remarked.
“Domestic tournaments are crucial for the advancement of para-athletics. In the recently concluded World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025, several new athletes emerged and were given opportunities. KIPG 2025 will significantly aid in identifying talent in the nation,” Navdeep added.
The KIPG 2025 will feature a distinguished lineup of athletes across six disciplines. This includes gold medallists from Paris 2024 like Harvinder Singh (archery), Dharambir (club throw), and Praveen Kumar (high jump). Medallists from the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China will also participate. Over 50 para-athletes in this tournament are part of SAI's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group for the 2028 LA Olympics cycle.
