Khelo India Para Games Enhancing Competitiveness: 2024 Paralympics Champion Harvinder

New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG 2025) is about to kick off on Thursday, and 2024 Paralympics gold medalist Harvinder Singh is filled with enthusiasm. The 34-year-old archer asserts that KIPG has instituted international competition standards and has become a vital platform for young talent to shine.

Harvinder, who is returning to KIPG 2025 after participating in the inaugural edition in December 2023, commended the format and selection criteria of the Khelo India Para Games. He elaborated on how it enhances the performance of all para athletes in India.

"The top 16 athletes at the national level are chosen for the Khelo India Para Games. This inspires all competitors to strive for medals at the national stage. For those who don’t secure a medal, there’s still the goal of finishing in the top 16 to qualify for KIPG.

"Such a selection process motivates athletes to give their utmost. As we approach the second edition of KIPG 2025, it's heartening to witness the growth of para sports in India," Harvinder told SAI Media.

Having topped the rankings stage and clinched the gold medal in the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in December 2023, Harvinder later became a double Olympic medallist in Paris last year, winning gold in individual recurve open—an event where he previously earned bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Now, Harvinder is eager to take part again in the upcoming KIPG 2025, sharing his thoughts on how the tournament is setting a standard for sporting events in India.

"I was thrilled to see a tournament of this caliber organized. During my last participation in KIPG, it felt akin to competing in an international event. The organization, schedule, and logistics were top-notch. Since then, I have believed that India is capable of hosting any international competition. I anticipate a similar scale this time and look forward to being back on the field," Harvinder expressed.

The recently concluded World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in New Delhi is just one of the events leading up to the World Para Athletics 2025, which will take place in August. Harvinder noted that the increase in domestic tournaments for para athletes and ongoing governmental support for para sports have contributed to fostering a more inclusive society.

"The government’s leading programs are emphasizing para sports. There's also a growing interest from private organizations in supporting para athletes, thus making society more inclusive. India is embracing and recognizing para sports along with our achievements. In events like KIPG 2025, athlete participation is continually on the rise, indicating that India is advancing in the sports sector," he stated.

The KIPG 2025 will feature over 1200 athletes competing across six disciplines during a seven-day tournament at three venues: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and the Dr. Karni Singh shooting range in New Delhi.