“Ujjwala”, a sparrow, was unveiled as the official mascot of Khelo India Para Games 2023.
Khelo India Para Games 2023: The first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023 logo and its mascot Ujjwala were launched in New Delhi on Sunday by Union Minister Anurag Thakur. “Ujjwala”, a sparrow, was unveiled as the official mascot of Khelo India Para Games 2023. The little sparrow is a symbol of Delhi’s pride and its unique character reflects determination and empathy. As the mascot of Khelo India Para Games 2023, Ujjwala reminds us that strength comes in many forms and the human spirit is unbreakable.
Former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor and Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar were among those present.
The presence of top Para athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara and Sumit Antil added to the special occasion.
Thakur said, “On the occasion of the launch of the maiden edition of the first ever Khelo India Para Games, I would like to congratulate everyone. It is due to the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that Khelo India has become a household name. It has become a movement and Khelo India missed the Para Games in the last few years. From 2018 to date we have had 11 Khelo India Games, we are excited to add Para Games this year.”
The Union Minister also added that the budget for Khelo India was Rs 3,000 crores for the last four years and for the next five years it has been increased to over Rs 3,300 crores.
Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been held successfully. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. Thakur said these Games have played a major role in identifying talent across the country and contributed to India’s performance at the prestigious multi-disciplinary events. Now, with the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, talented Para-athletes who are keen to pursue a career in Para sports can be identified and further assisted in achieving desired results for the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt said, “It is great to see the Government of India coming up with such a wonderful initiative. I’m looking forward to seeing all these athletes in action. I would like to wish all the players participating in Khelo India Para Games the best of luck.”
Para-athlete Pramod Bhagat, who won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Para-badminton, said: “I believe that the Para Games currently have a promising future, especially for youth and Para-athletes. Also, the coaches could use their training to enhance efforts in enhancing athletic talents and prepare them for India to witness increased participation in national and international tournaments, starting with the Khelo Para Games . It is one of the most important initiatives that Khelo India has launched.”
More than 1,400 participants from 32 states and union territories, including the Services Sports Control Board, are expected to participate in the first Khelo India Para Games where para-athletes will compete for honors in 7 disciplines including para-athletics, para -shooting, para-archy, para-football, para-badminton, para-table tennis and para-weightlifting. The events will be held at 3 SAI stadiums: IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and JLN Stadium.