India to Host Paralympic Sports Festival for the First Time

Pune: For the first time in India, the ‘Khelotsav Para Edition – 2025’ sports event is being organized with the recognition of the Paralympic Committee of India and the Para Shooting Association of India. The event is jointly hosted by AGC Sports and the Para Target Shooting Association, Pune. It will take place from August 11 to August 18, 2025, at Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Pune.

This announcement was made during a press conference by Padma Shri awardee and India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, organizer Akash Kumbhar, Manohar Mukund Jagtap (Executive Officer, Aryans Group of Companies), and Ajay Mukund Jagtap (Director, Aryans Group of Companies).

Also present at the press conference were other organizing members Rafiq Khan, Kapil Misal, Vishnu Dhotre, and Kiran Lohar, along with officials from the Aryans Group of Companies.

The competition will include Para Shooting, Para Swimming, Para Athletics, and Wheelchair Basketball. Outstanding performers from this event will be selected for the Al Ain 2025 World Cup and other international competitions.

Top athletes such as Tokyo and Paris Paralympic gold medalist Avani Lekhara, bronze medalist Mono Aggarwal, Rubina Francis, along with 13 Paralympians, 50 international-level athletes, and over 600 participants from across the country are expected to take part.

The event will be overseen by 15 international referees, 15 national referees, 15 officials, and 50 volunteers. Selections for the Para Shooting World Cup, scheduled from October 25 to November 5 in Al Ain, Dubai, will also be made through this competition.

The entire cost of the Al Ain Dubai tour will be covered by the Central Government, making this a highly competitive selection event. The Para Swimming competition will be held across 14 categories, while 49 categories will be included in Para Athletics.

Organizers stated that AGC Sports has created a new platform for differently-abled athletes by launching the Khelotsav Para Edition.

The Aryans Group of Companies is active in multiple sectors including real estate & construction, education, solar & green energy, tourism & hospitality, automobile & logistics, event management, media, and entertainment. The company also works toward rural development and youth empowerment with strong social commitment.

AGC Sports, a sports wing of Aryans Group, aims to provide national and international platforms, particularly for rural and differently-abled athletes, thereby encouraging sports in underserved areas.