KIPG 2025: Jaspreet Kaur Sets New Powerlifting National Record; Sheetal Devi Clinches Archery Gold; Tamil Nadu Maintains Lead
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Synopsis
On March 23, 2025, in New Delhi, Jaspreet Kaur achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the national record in powerlifting during the Khelo India Para Games. She lifted 101 kg in the 45 kg category, securing gold. Tamil Nadu leads the medal tally with notable performances in archery and shooting events.
Key Takeaways
- Jaspreet Kaur broke the national powerlifting record.
- Tamil Nadu is leading the medal tally.
- Sheetal Devi won gold in archery.
- Intense training and technique adjustments were key for Jaspreet.
- Uttar Pradesh's Sumedha Pathak caused a major upset in shooting.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking performance, Jaspreet Kaur from Punjab has made headlines on the fourth day of the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) held here on Sunday. Jaspreet has become the first competitor in KIPG 2025 to set a new national record. Competing in the 45 kg weight category, the 31-year-old athlete lifted an impressive 101 kg to secure the gold medal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex on Sunday.
As of now, a total of 113 gold medals have been awarded, with Tamil Nadu leading the medal tally with 22 golds. Following them is Haryana with 18 gold medals, while both Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have claimed 13 gold medals each.
Jaspreet surpassed her own national record of 100 kg, establishing a new standard at the Khelo India Games 2025. In December 2023, she had previously won a gold medal in the same event with a lift of 85 kg.
“I aimed to exceed my previous performance this time. Breaking a national record has significantly improved my standing in the national rankings,” she stated according to a release from SAI Media on Sunday.
Achieving a lift of 16 kg more in under two years was a tremendous challenge. Jaspreet undertook rigorous training, explored new techniques, and modified her diet to maintain her fitness. However, the greatest hurdle she faced was managing her anxiety.
“I made my national debut in 2022. I often felt like a newcomer in the sport. It took time for me to understand that building strength and muscle is a gradual process. It doesn’t occur overnight. It took me three years to reach such performance levels,” shared Jaspreet, who has been living with polio since the age of 3.
Meanwhile, in another part of the JLN Stadium, the archery competitions concluded with the outstanding para-archer Sheetal Devi defeating rival Payal Nag from Odisha to win the gold medal in the compound women’s open category in a fiercely contested final. Additionally, Adil Mohammed Nazir Ansari, a 44-year-old para-archer from Maharashtra, reclaimed the gold medal in the W1 round men's event, showcasing his talent despite his age.
At the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Sumedha Pathak from Uttar Pradesh created a significant upset in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 category by defeating the 2024 Paralympics medallist and tournament favourite Rubina Francis to secure the gold medal.
Additionally, Sagar Balasaheb Katale from Maharashtra took first place in the Mixed 10m air rifle Prone SH2 category, overcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympian Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar, who earned the silver medal.
