KIPG 2025: Powerlifters Seema Rani and Jhandu Kumar Set New National Records; Mona Agarwal Wins Gold
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Synopsis
On March 24, 2025, during the Khelo India Para Games, two national records in powerlifting were broken by Seema Rani and Jhandu Kumar. Seema lifted 97 kg in the women's 61 kg category, while Jhandu lifted 206 kg in the men's 72 kg category. Mona Agarwal also excelled, winning gold in the Mixed 50m prone SH1 event.
Key Takeaways
- Seema Rani broke the national record with a 97 kg lift.
- Jhandu Kumar achieved a lift of 206 kg.
- Mona Agarwal won gold in the Mixed 50m prone SH1.
- Haryana leads with 29 gold medals.
- Both powerlifters have shown remarkable determination and skill.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The fifth day of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 witnessed the establishment of two remarkable national records in powerlifting. Seema Rani from Punjab achieved a record lift of 97 kg in the women's elite 61 kg category, while Jhandu Kumar of Bihar lifted 206 kg in the men's elite 72 kg category.
The Paralympians showcased their talent at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. Mona Agarwal, a bronze medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, clinched gold in the Mixed 50m prone SH1 event with an impressive score of 243.3. She had previously secured two silvers in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 and the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH2 categories.
On the second last day of para shooting, Rajasthan's Nihal Singh, who has also qualified for the Paris Paralympics, excelled in the mixed 25m pistol SH1 event, successfully defending his gold from the inaugural Khelo India Para Games held in December 2023.
As of this report, a total of 160 medals had been awarded, with Haryana leading the medal tally with 29 golds. Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan followed closely with 24 and 22 gold medals, respectively.
The powerlifters have been performing excellently since Sunday. After Jaspreet Kaur from Punjab (45 kg class) and Manish Sharma from Haryana (54 kg class) set two records, Seema, who has been living with polio since the age of three, proved her prowess by securing her second gold in consecutive Khelo India Para Games. The 39-year-old athlete began her para powerlifting journey five years ago and has represented India in multiple international competitions, including the World Championships.
Seema expressed her joy to SAI Media, stating, “It feels amazing to set a new national record and win gold medals in back-to-back Khelo India Para Games. I am grateful to SAI for providing world-class facilities to athletes, as it is challenging to concentrate and perform well without them.”
Meanwhile, Jhandu Kumar, hailing from Bihar, embarked on his powerlifting journey in 2014. Although the 28-year-old para lifter has yet to represent India, he is eager for that opportunity. “The Khelo India Para Games is an exceptional platform for para athletes. I had previously won silver in 2023, and it feels wonderful to have converted that into gold now,” he remarked.
