Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur today launched the mascot, logo, jersey and anthem for the first-ever Khelo India Para Games at a function in New Delhi. The first- edition of Khelo India Para Games will be held from 10th to 17th of next month. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Thakur said, Khelo India Para Games is an occasion to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship apart from competition. He informed that over 1400 participants from across 32 states and Union Territories including Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the Games. The Para athletes will compete for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. Mr Thakur said, the events will be held in Indira Gandhi Stadium, Tughlaqabad Shooting Range and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The Sports Minister said, currently 49 para athletes have been covered under Target Olympic Podium Scheme and an amount of 3 thousand 300 crore rupees has also been sanctioned for Khelo India scheme for the next five years.

Khelo India Para Games aim to provide opportunity for aspiring para athletes to showcase their skill and develop their career in para sports. Wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt, Para Shooter Avani Lekhra and Para Table Tennis player Bhavina Patel were among those attended the event.