Khelo India Para Games: History, Sports, Editions and Participation
The Khelo India Para Games have rapidly emerged as India’s most important national championship for para-athletes. Launched to strengthen inclusive sports development, the Games provide athletes with disabilities a structured, high-visibility platform comparable to other
Khelo India Para Games
events. Since the inaugural edition in 2023, the Khelo India Para Games have played a critical role in identifying grassroots talent, improving accessibility standards, and building a sustainable pathway for India’s para-athletes toward international competitions such as the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games.
The Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) were launched in 2023 as a specialised vertical under the broader Khelo India program to identify, nurture, and celebrate para-athletes across impairment categories, including visual impairment, locomotor disability, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy. Unlike other Khelo India editions that focus on age groups or regions, the Para Games serve athletes with disabilities exclusively, ensuring equitable access to training, competition, and recognition.
Organised in collaboration with the National Paralympic Committee of India (NPCI) and respective National Sports Federations, KIPG follows a state/UT championship format. Athletes represent their home states or union territories, with every medal contributing to their state’s overall tally. The contingent that secures the most gold medals is declared the overall winner, fostering healthy interstate competition while spotlighting para-sports excellence.
Beyond medals, the Games drive tangible change: improved accessibility infrastructure, increased media visibility for para-athletes, and a sustainable talent pipeline for the Asian Para Games and Paralympic Games.
The Khelo India Para Games follow a structured governance model to ensure fair, inclusive, and high-quality competition. The Games are organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the National Paralympic Committee of India (NPCI), National Sports Federations, and State and Union Territory sports departments. NPCI and the federations oversee technical rules, athlete classification, and competition standards, while states and UTs manage athlete selection and nominations. Athletes compete under their respective state or UT banners, and medals contribute to the overall state-wise tally. There are no institutional or individual teams, keeping the focus on strengthening state-level para-sports development across India.
Participation in the Khelo India Para Games follows a state and Union Territory nomination model. Athletes are nominated by state sports departments in coordination with National Sports Federations, based on eligibility and classification. Representation is strictly state/UT-based, and all states and union territories of India are eligible to participate, subject to the availability of classified athletes in each discipline.
Based on officially reported outcomes from past editions, states that have consistently fielded strong contingents include:
Participation varies by sport and classification, depending on athlete availability and state-level para-sports development programmes.
What are the Khelo India Para Games?
The Khelo India Para Games were introduced to create a dedicated national platform for para-athletes in India. Since their launch in 2023, the Games have played a key role in promoting inclusive competition and strengthening the country’s para-sports ecosystem.
The first-ever Khelo India Para Games were held in December 2023 in New Delhi, marking a historic milestone for Indian para sports.
Governance and Competition Format
Multiple states and union territories
This edition marked the first time para-athletes competed under the Khelo India framework, bringing para sports into mainstream national sporting discourse. Several states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, emerged as leading performers, highlighting the growing strength of state-level para-sports ecosystems.
States and Union Territories Participating
The second edition was held from 20 to 27 March 2025, once again in New Delhi, building on the success of the inaugural Games.
Haryana topped the medal standings
States with Strong Historical Participation
This edition featured refined classification systems, improved athlete services, and enhanced media coverage, further establishing the Games as India’s premier para-sports championship.
The official mascot, “Ujjwala”, inspired by the house sparrow, symbolised resilience, determination, and the soaring spirit of para-athletes. The mascot was officially unveiled as part of the celebrations for the 2025 edition.
The Games follow international Paralympic standards for rules and classification.
Across the 2023 and 2025 editions, the following disciplines have been included:
Each discipline follows sport-specific classification protocols to ensure fair and balanced competition across impairment categories.
As of now, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has not officially announced the exact dates, host city or venues, or the final sports list for the Khelo India Para Games 2026. Therefore, any information related to the 2026 edition should be treated as tentative until formally notified. It is official that the Khelo India Para Games are intended to be held regularly; future editions are expected to build on earlier formats, and all confirmed updates will be published on the official Khelo India Para Games portal.
Participation in the Khelo India Para Games is not open for registration.
Minimum 40% disability, certified by an authorised medical board
Valid sport-specific classification certificate
Age criteria as defined by the respective sports federations
Athlete participates in state-level or recognised competitions
State Sports Department conducts trials
Eligible athletes are nominated through the National Sports Repository System (NSRS)
Verification by National Sports Federations
Final approval by the Khelo India organising committee
Disability certificate (minimum 40%)
Age proof (Aadhaar/Birth Certificate)
State domicile or representation proof
Accreditation is completed digitally through official Khelo India systems.
The Khelo India Para Games have delivered an impact far beyond medals and rankings. By bringing para sports under a national framework, the Games have helped mainstream inclusive competition, improved accessibility standards at sporting venues, and created visible role models for aspiring para-athletes. They have also strengthened the pathway to international competitions, making the Games a critical feeder system for India’s long-term para-sports ambitions.
The Khelo India Para Games have fundamentally transformed India’s approach to inclusive sports. Since their debut in 2023, the Games have provided para-athletes with a national stage that values performance, dignity, and opportunity.
With two successful editions completed and growing institutional support, the Games are set to remain a cornerstone of India’s para-sports ecosystem. As official announcements regarding the Khelo India Para Games 2026 emerge, the event is expected to further strengthen participation, competition standards, and national pride.
The journey of Indian para-athletes is no longer on the sidelines, and the Khelo India Para Games are a powerful reason why.
- •Where were the Khelo India Para Games 2025 held?
The Khelo India Para Games 2025 were held in New Delhi, with competitions conducted across multiple established sports venues in the city.
- •Who won the India Para Games 2025?
Haryana emerged as the top-performing state, finishing first on the medal tally at the Khelo India Para Games 2025.
- •How many games (sports) are in the Khelo India Para Games?
The 2025 edition featured six para-sports disciplines: para athletics, para archery, para badminton, para table tennis, para powerlifting, and para shooting.
- •Who is the mascot of Khelo India Para Games 2025?
The official mascot of the 2025 Games is “Ujjwala”, inspired by the house sparrow, symbolising resilience, determination, and the spirit of para-athletes.
- •Who can participate in the Khelo India Para Games?
Indian para-athletes with a minimum of 40% certified disability, valid classification, and nomination by their state sports department are eligible to participate.
Sport I Play Team
The Sport I Play editorial team — passionate sports enthusiasts covering technique tips, fitness guides, and sports stories.