Khelo India Para Games: Haryana crowned champions in inaugural edition, UP-Tamil Nadu bag other podium spots

The action on the final day also saw Kerala clinch a stupendous 7-0 win against Tamil Nadu in CP football with Y Jaya Surya scoring three goals while four goals were scored by A Growth (Pic: X/ianuragthakur)

Curtains came down on the first-ever Khelo India Para Games after a week-long celebration of human spirit and inclusivity. In the games that had 173 gold medals up for grabs, Haryana bagged top honours with a total of 105 medals including 40 gold, 39 silver and 26 bronze medals on Sunday.

Finishing second was Uttar Pradesh, with a total of 62 medals, including 25 gold, 23 silver and 14 bronze, as per a press release from KIPG.

Tamil Nadu finished third with 20 gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals. While the Games witnessed star para-athletes who were fresh from their Asian Para Games success in Hangzhou, China, the likes of armless archer Sheetal Devi, discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya, table tennis star Bhavina Patel, Parul Parmar, Nishad Kumar among several others, there were also some heart-warming performances by upcoming stars who defied physical limitations to finish on the podium.

Hailing the efforts of the participants, Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting said, "Today, under these spotlights, we honour not just medals, but the resilient spirit and untold stories that have painted this arena. The Khelo India Para Games 2023 marks a historic chapter in our sports history, where participation eclipses mere victory. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, 'Kheloge toh khiloge.' These past days have etched moments of unwavering human spirit, forging new milestones, talents emerging, records falling, and prejudices shattered. This is the new India, envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Also Read: The '500 club' at a glance

Rajesh T of Tamil Nadu, Sandeep Dangi of Haryana, Tulika Jadhao of Maharashtra, Ashmita of Assam are all names to reckon with for their incredible grit and determination. The Games also witnessed an Asian record being bettered by Pranav Soorma of Haryana who improved his Asian Para Games gold medal-winning performance of 30.01 with an effort of 33.54 metres in the club throw event. He improved the Asian record of 31.09m held by Dharambir.

Sports superstars like Mary Kom, Harbhajan Singh, Anju Bobby George, Anjum Moudgil, Manu Bhaker, Viren Rasquinha, and Ajay Jadeja among others made their presence felt at the victory ceremonies to honour the efforts of the para-athletes and also lauded the Government of India and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for introducing para games in their flagship Khelo India events.

The action on the final day also saw Kerala clinch a stupendous 7-0 win against Tamil Nadu in CP football with Y Jaya Surya scoring three goals while four goals were scored by A Growth. In Table Tennis, In the men's Class-four category, Sumit Sehgal of Haryana defeated Ramesh Chaudhary of Gujarat 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-8) in the final to clinch the gold medal.

Over 1450 para-athletes from 32 states and Union Territories participated in the prestigious Khelo India Para Games which saw events in seven disciplines.

Other scores (Table Tennis):

Gajanan Parmar (MP) beat Shashidhar Kulkarni (KNT) 3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 13-11) in the Men's Class-eight category.

Raj Aravindan Alagar (TN) beat Pawan Kumar Sharma (UP) 3-0 (11-2, 11-7, 11-7) in the Men's Class-five category

Poonam (CHD) beat BhavikaKukadiya (GUJ) 3-1 (11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5) in the Women's Class-six category

Baby Sahana (TN) beat PruthviBarve (MHR) 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-3) in the Women's Class 9-10 category

Prachi Pandey (UP) beat Dhwani Shah (GUJ) 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-2) in the Women's Class seven category.

(With agency inputs)