Khelo India Para Games 2023
The logo and mascot of Khelo India Para Games 2023, Ujjwala, was launched for the first time in New Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur and several eminent athletes and para-athletes. The chief guest in this program was Mr. Honorable Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur was also present.
The first Khelo India Para Games will be held in New Delhi from 10 December to 17 December 2023. More than 1350 athletes from across the country will compete in athletics, shooting, archery, football, badminton, table tennis and weightlifting. The competitions will be held at Nehru Stadium, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range and Indira Gandhi Stadium.
Gaurav – Symbol of pride and determination:
Khelo India – A sparrow named 'Ujjwala' was unveiled as the official mascot of the Para Games 2023. The little sparrow is a symbol of Delhi's pride and its uniqueness reflects determination and empathy.
Warriors Athletic Emblem:
The launch event was attended by renowned athletes including former Indian women's hockey team captain Queen Pam, Olympian bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, professional stellar strength More and Brazilian Phil Kumar. The presence of star para athletes like Vaibhav Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara and Sumit Antil gave a special touch to the occasion, showcasing the unity and diversity in Indian sports.
Play in India to increase budget
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has given evidence of the government's budget for the promotion of sports. The budget which was Rs 3,000 crore in the last four years has been increased to more than Rs 3,300 crore in the next five years. This financial incentive is part of the government's gesture towards nurturing sports talent and creating a strong sports introduction mechanism in the country.
A total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully organized since 2018. These include 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. These games have been important in identifying talent across the country and have helped in enhancing India's performance in prestigious multi-event competitions.