Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, is set to inaugurate the historic Khelo India Para Games 2023 in New Delhi today. The event will witness the participation of more than 1400 athletes hailing from 32 states, Union Territories, and the Services Sports Board. The Games, scheduled from December 10 to 17, will unfold across three venues in New Delhi.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will convey a special message to inspire and encourage all participants.

The opening ceremony will take place at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. The ceremony promises to be a spectacle, featuring a grand performance by the Delhi Police band, followed by an energetic ensemble from the 'We Are One' dance group. The artists will captivate the audience with their performances on 'Mitti Mein Mil Jawa' and 'Vande Mataram.'

Kicking off the festivities, the Games anthem track will play at the opening ceremony, accompanied by an enchanting LED dance performance centered around the theme 'Evolution of Para Games.' A special presentation by officials from the Sports Authority of India will further enhance the ceremony. The cultural program will culminate with the inspiring performance titled 'United by Sports.'

The central government's goal in organizing the Khelo India Para Games is to empower all para athletes, aligning with its commitment to numerous key projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of persons with disabilities.

Spread across three venues – Indira Gandhi Stadium, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, and Karni Singh Shooting Range – the inaugural Khelo India Para Games will feature competitions in seven para sports: athletics, shooting, archery, football, badminton, table tennis, and weightlifting. Among the participants are some of India’s most accomplished international para athletes, including Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, Ashok, Pramod Bhagat, and others who are set to showcase their extraordinary talents.