New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): With a powerful contingent of 116 para-athletes, Rajasthan will vie to clinch high honours on the first-ever Khelo India Para Games within the nationwide capital. Paralympic stars Devendra Jhajhariya and Avani Lekhara from the state hail the efforts of the union authorities to advertise para-sports via Khelo India.
Over the previous 6-7 years, para-athletes from Rajasthan have made a mark not simply within the nationwide degree but additionally in marquee worldwide occasions. Out of the 19 medals gained on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, 5 belonged to the para-athletes from Rajasthan together with 2 Gold, 1 Silver and a couple of Bronze medals. At the lately held National Athletics Championships, Rajasthan ranked third, behind Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Now, the robust contingent from the state is all set to impress on the first-ever Khelo India Para Games scheduled to start on December 10 in New Delhi.
“Firstly, we are very happy and excited about the Union Government’s initiative to the first-ever Khelo India Para Games. Earlier, there were hardly any state tournaments or championships. There were only trials and that too only 30-40 athletes from the state used to come and attend these trials,” recollects Mahavir Prasad Saini, Chief Para Coach of Rajasthan, who has carefully witnessed your complete para journey of the state.
Devendra Jhajhariya, the nation’s most adorned para-athlete, put Rajasthan on the world map when he gained a Gold medal on the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Despite Jhajhariya’s Gold Medal feat, the para motion was crawling at a snail’s tempo.
But your complete situation modified after the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. While the able-bodied stars may handle solely a Silver and a Bronze on the 2016 Olympics, the Paralympic squad introduced residence two Gold, one Silver and a Bronze medal.
The whole nation witnessed the achievements of para-athletes which was broadcast LIVE on tv. Devendra Jhajhariya had once more gained a Gold medal however this Gold was not solely extra appreciated and celebrated but additionally had an even bigger influence.
“In March 2016 there were 90 players that had come for the trial and today when I see around 1500 players for the National trials, my eyes are filled with tears of joy. There was no one to take care of our development, but today the government is giving these players so much that they don’t have to worry about anything. We are treated equally. I don’t think we can ask for anything more from the Government,” says Devendra Jhajhariya commenting on the exponential development of para-sports within the state.
Rajasthan’s Avani Lekhara, the golden lady of Indian taking pictures, is among the most constant gamers for India on the large stage. Apart from Gold and Bronze on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, she has many World Cup and World Championship medals to her title.
The 21-year-old is happy in regards to the first-ever Khelo India Para Games. “I never saw the struggle that our seniors had to go through but I have heard their stories. Now together we all have got a chance to make Rajasthan proud of our performance. As I am into shooting, I don’t travel with the Athletics or Archery team or any other contingent. But now, we all have a chance to win medals for Rajasthan and that is a reason we all are excited for the Khelo India Para Games,” says Avani.
Sundar Singh Gurjar is one other elite athlete from Rajasthan who simply gained the Gold Medal on the 4th Asian Para Games with a world file of 68.60 metres.
“We have been seeing Khelo India Games since 2018 and used to think when will we get a chance to become part of this movement? But now we are very thankful to the Government for organising this Khelo India Para Games. We feel that there is someone who wants to bring us to the mainstream in every possible way,” says Gurjar who can also be a Bronze medal winner on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. (ANI)