The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games is scheduled to commence on December 10 in New Delhi, featuring top para-athletes from across the country. A formidable delegation of 95 para-athletes from the state of Gujarat is poised to participate in the event.
The contingent boasts notable personalities, including Tokyo Paralympics participants Bhavina Patel, Sonal Patel, and Par Parmar, among others. This event not only provides a platform for para-athletes to showcase their talents but also highlights the commitment and inclusivity of sports in India by recognizing and supporting athletes with diverse abilities.
Khel Mahakumbh Khelo India:
The sports culture in Gujarat has undergone a transformative journey since the inception of the “Khel Mahakumbh” initiative in 2010, spearheaded by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. This pioneering effort aimed to instill a sense of sportsmanship across the state and laid the groundwork for the nationwide “Khelo India” campaign. Over the years, this visionary concept from Gujarat has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s grassroots sports culture.
The initiative focuses on talent identification, well-organized sporting competitions, and infrastructure development, contributing significantly to the growth of sports in the country. The upcoming Khelo India Para Games will feature a robust contingent of 95 para-athletes from Gujarat, including accomplished Tokyo Paralympic champions like Bhavina Patel, Sonal Patel, and Parul Parmar, showcasing the enduring impact of Gujarat’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive sports environment.
Gujarat’s Paralympic Prowess:
Shri Kanubhai, a pioneer in advocating for para-sports in India, reflects on the initial challenges faced in 1984 when the concept of physically disabled individuals participating in sports was met with skepticism and ridicule. Recognizing the potential, the responsibility was entrusted to Shri Kantibhai Parmar, the current President of the Para Association of Gujarat.
Over time, Gujarat has made significant strides in the field of para-sports, particularly gaining prominence in para-table tennis. As the state anticipates nearly 30 players to compete in this discipline at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games, much credit goes to Lallan Doshi, the coach and mentor behind the development of many of these players.
Doshi highlights the inspirational role of Bhavina Patel, who secured a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Para Games, noting that her success has motivated numerous others to actively engage in the sport. This narrative underscores Gujarat’s transformative journey in para-sports and the positive impact it has had on fostering a culture of inclusivity and achievement in the domain.
The Remarkable Ascent of Para Sports in Gujarat:
Bhavina Patel, the accomplished silver medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Para Games, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for athletes in India, particularly in her home state of Gujarat. Her victory not only marked a personal triumph but also conveyed a powerful message about the potential for athletes from Gujarat to achieve greatness on the global stage. This impact is evident in the progress of para sports in the state, with notable achievements such as three able-bodied female athletes representing Gujarat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and an equal number qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The recent Asian Games in Hangzhou showcased the growing prominence of para sports in Gujarat, with no able-bodied athlete from the state clinching a medal. However, at the subsequent Para-Asian Games in the same location, Gujarat secured an impressive tally of 7 medals. Shri Kantibhai Parmar, President of the Para Sports Association of Gujarat, expresses optimism about the future trajectory of para-sports in the state. He believes that the athletes will excel at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a powerhouse in para-sports.
As the Khelo India Para Games are set to commence on December 10, 2023, with 95 athletes from Gujarat registered to participate, the state is poised to make a significant impact and further solidify its legacy in the realm of para-sports. The event serves as an excellent platform for these athletes to showcase their talents, resilience, and determination, contributing to the continued growth and success of para sports in Gujarat.
List of Athletes:
- Athletics: 35 athletes
- Table Tennis: 30 athletes*
- Powerlifting: 17 athletes
- Archery: 6 athletes
- Badminton: 5 athletes
- Shooting: 2 athletes
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