KIPG 2025: Haryana Dominates Team Championship, T.N. Secures Second Place, U.P. in Third
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Synopsis
The Khelo India Para Games 2025 concluded with Haryana dominating the team championship, achieving 34 gold medals, followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. A total of 596 medals were awarded, showcasing the remarkable talent and spirit of para-athletes.
Key Takeaways
- Haryana topped the medal table with 34 gold medals.
- Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh secured second and third positions, respectively.
- A record-breaking 18 national records were established during the games.
- Participation from nearly 1300 athletes across various disciplines.
- The event highlighted the progress of women athletes in para-sports.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) After eight days of fierce athletic competition, the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 concluded on Thursday, with Haryana again taking the lead in the team rankings, securing 34 gold medals. Tamil Nadu (28 gold) and Uttar Pradesh (23 gold) placed second and third, respectively, in the overall standings.
Featuring nearly 1300 athletes competing across six sports at three venues in New Delhi – Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, IG Indoor Stadium, and Karni Singh Shooting Range – the Khelo India Para Games 2025 showcased unforgettable moments, demonstrating resilience, unwavering spirit, and the strength of human determination to overcome obstacles.
A total of 18 national records were set during KIPG 2025, with Jaspreet Kaur (Punjab), Manish Kumar (Haryana), Seema Rani (Punjab), and Jhandu Kumar (Bihar) earning gold medals in Para Powerlifting.
Furthermore, 14 track and field athletes such as Dilip Mahadu Gavit (Maharashtra), Sharath Makanahalli Shankarappa (Karnataka), Manish Kumar (Haryana), Manjeet (Haryana), Bhavani Munniyandi (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Lalitha Killaka (Andhra Pradesh), Khushboo Gill (Tamil Nadu), Enbatamizhi S (Tamil Nadu), Keerthika Jayachandran (Tamil Nadu), Lakshmi (Haryana), Usha (Haryana), Dolly Gola (Delhi), Jaspreet Kaur Sran (Punjab), and Fatima Khatoon (Uttar Pradesh) also shattered national records.
With 12 female athletes setting national records, KIPG 2025 underscored the advancement of women in para-sports in India. By the tournament's conclusion, a total of 596 medals (189 gold, 189 silver, 218 bronze) were awarded, with male competitors claiming 346 medals (110 gold, 109 silver, 127 bronze) and female athletes bringing home 250 medals (79 gold, 80 silver, 91 bronze).
Similar to the inaugural KIPG held in December 2023, Haryana again showcased its dominance with an impressive haul of 104 medals (34 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze). In the first edition, Haryana secured 105 medals (40 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze).
Regarding the success, Team Haryana chef-de-mission Giriraj Singh remarked, “I would first like to thank the nation for showing such enthusiasm for the Khelo India Para Games. The Government of India and SAI play a crucial role in the medals our athletes are achieving today. Through this initiative, our athletes will have opportunities to compete in international events like the Paralympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.”
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, which finished third in the first KIPG, improved to second place with a total of 74 medals (28 gold, 19 silver, and 27 bronze), while Uttar Pradesh, which ranked second previously, concluded in third with 64 medals (23 gold, 21 silver, and 20 bronze).
Team Tamil Nadu chef-de-mission Raja stated, “Our Tamil Nadu team performed excellently. Team SAI organized a fantastic tournament, with all arrangements – including travel and food – being superb. It was a remarkable event.”
Team Uttar Pradesh chef-de-mission Mudrika Pathak expressed, “The tournament was exceptionally organized and provided a wonderful platform for grassroots-level players. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the organization on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh team. We are very pleased with our performance in the tournament.”
On the final day of the Games, Gujarat excelled in the table tennis events held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, where the closing ceremony took place. Gujarat secured 21 medals, including four gold, five silver, and 12 bronze medals. Haryana achieved a total of eight medals, with three gold.
The 50-year-old Yezdi Aspi Bhamgara from the state clinched a gold medal, defeating Gujarat’s Vikas Thakur 3-1 in the Men’s Class 6 category. “I have been a para table tennis player since 2005. However, I also played able-bodied table tennis. Winning the gold here feels rewarding as I have dedicated myself to reach this level. I train for three to four hours daily, which has led me to this achievement,” said Yezdi, who has been competing in the sport for 40 years despite having cerebral palsy from birth.
“The Khelo India Para Games are vital because all the medalists now understand what it takes to reach the podium. This experience prepares them for the international arena. To earn these medals, we make significant sacrifices and often stay away from our families,” he added.
The 29-year-old Bhavika Kukadiya from Surat, Gujarat, who also has cerebral palsy, triumphed against Gujarat's Jamani Nirjahan Noorali 3-1 in Women's Class 6 to capture gold.
“I have been participating in table tennis for five years. I never imagined I would take part in any sport since no one in my family is athletic. Then, one day, I stumbled upon the concept of para-sports on social media and thought – why not? By the grace of God, I have been able to represent my country at an international level as well,” Bhavika shared.
“I had difficulty standing until I was five years old. By age 12, I learned to walk using the walls for support, as my parents encouraged me not to rely on a wheelchair or tricycle. I owe my success to them,” she concluded.
