KIPG 2025: Akash Triumphs in Shooting; Haryana Dominates Medal Count with TN and UP in Chase

New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) In an exhilarating contest among Paralympians at the Dr. Karni Shooting Range, Akash from Uttar Pradesh claimed the gold medal in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 category, surpassing Rudransh Khandelwal from Rajasthan, who is set to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, during the Khelo India Para Games 2025 on Tuesday.

The shooting events of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) concluded with Rajasthan leading the medal count, securing nine medals, which included four gold and two silver. Uttar Pradesh followed with four medals, including two gold, while Maharashtra finished third with three medals, two of which were gold.

As the games progressed, 166 gold medals had been awarded by the conclusion of Day 6 on Tuesday, with Haryana dominating the overall medal tally with 95 medals, including 30 gold. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are in second and third place with 67 (25 gold) and 54 medals (22 gold), respectively. Rajasthan, despite having 60 medals and 22 gold, fell short with two fewer silver medals than Uttar Pradesh, which has 18.

Khandelwal, who had earlier secured gold in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1, faced a setback on Tuesday due to a malfunction in his pistol during a crucial moment in the final. This incident gave Akash, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympian, an advantage, allowing him to edge out Tamil Nadu's Sanjeev Kumar for the gold medal. Akash kept his composure and scored 15.7 in his final two shots, finishing with a lead of 0.2 points.

After his victory, Akash, hailing from Khedki village in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, expressed his delight, stating, "I am thrilled to win the gold medal here at the Khelo India Para Games. This is my first significant step as I embark on my journey towards the Paralympics 2028 in Los Angeles, and this gold will greatly enhance my confidence."

The 34-year-old, who has lived with polio since the age of two, likened the Khelo India Para Games to 'sanjeevani', the legendary herb from the Ramayana. “The Khelo India Para Games have bestowed upon us a new lease of life similar to 'sanjeevani booti'. We are inspired and have an opportunity to grow. The live broadcasts are also helping us gain recognition," he noted.

Meanwhile, Khandelwal, who secured a bronze medal, conveyed his contentment with his overall performance. "I am immensely proud of my achievements at this second edition of the Khelo India Para Games. A malfunction occurred with my weapon while I was loading it today. This was not intentional, and such issues can arise. The competition was fierce, but I played well and executed my skills effectively. Hence, I am satisfied with the overall outcome.”

In addition, the day featured powerlifting events at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex. Five categories were concluded, with Tamil Nadu’s Kasthuri Rajamani, who won gold in the previous edition of the Khelo India Para Games in December 2023, securing her second KIPG gold by winning in the women’s 67kg category on Tuesday.

Another previous gold medallist from the Khelo India Para Games, Sumit Kumar, successfully defended his title in the men’s 97 kg weight category.

The Indira Gandhi Stadium complex also saw the commencement of table tennis events, where seven-time national champion Shubham Wadhwa from Punjab advanced to the next round after defeating Karnataka’s Jaganath HM in straight sets.