Grand Conclusion of the First Khelotsav Para Edition – 2025

Spectacular Performances by Avani Lekhara, Deepak Saini, and Khushboo

Pune: The first-ever Khelotsav Para Edition – 2025 concluded with great success at Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune, from 11th to 18th August 2025. For the first time in India, the event was organized with the recognition of the Paralympic Committee of India and the Para Shooting Association of India, in collaboration with AGC Sports and Para Target Shooting Association, Pune. More than 600 athletes from across the country, along with 50 international-level players, participated in this grand sporting event.

On this occasion, eminent dignitaries such as Padma Shri Murlikant Petkar, Dronacharya Awardee and President of the Para Shooting Association of India Jayprakash Nautiyal, Shiv Chhatrapati Lifetime Achievement Awardee Shakuntala Khatawkar, Aryans Group of Companies Executive Director Ajay Mukund Jagtap, Kamesh Modi, Sanjay Shendge, Pratik Modak, Kiran Kanade, and Kiran Lohar were present.

Nautiyal said, “All participating athletes made the competition vibrant. I congratulate all the medal winners. Several new national records were set in this championship. On behalf of everyone, I thank Aryans Group for the disciplined organization of this event.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Aryans Group of Companies’ Executive Director Ajay Mukund Jagtap said, “Through AGC Sports, we are working to promote different sports and encourage local athletes. With Khelotsav Para Edition 2025, we were able to connect with national and international-level sports and players, and successfully host this championship, which gives us immense joy.”

Highlights of the Competition

Avani Lekhara (Rajasthan), Paralympic champion, once again proved her dominance by winning gold medals in 10m Air Rifle Standing Women SH1 and 50m Rifle Three Positions Women SH2.

Deepak Saini (Haryana) emerged as the star of the event, securing two gold medals in 10m Air Rifle Standing Men SH1 and 10m Air Rifle Prone Mixed SH1.

Khushboo (Uttar Pradesh) showcased her supremacy by winning two gold medals in Rifle SH2 events.

In pistol events, Nihal Singh (Rajasthan) clinched gold medals in 10m Air Pistol Men SH1 and 25m Pistol Mixed SH1.
Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist Manish Narwal (Haryana) won gold in 50m Pistol Mixed SH1.
Sumedha Pathak (Uttar Pradesh) claimed gold in 10m Air Pistol Women SH1.

In the junior category, fresh talent shone bright.
Kavin Kenganalkar (Maharashtra) won gold in 10m Rifle Standing Junior.
Rudransh Khandelwal (Rajasthan) impressed in pistol events, while V. Manoj Kumar (Tamil Nadu) secured medals in the junior group.

In team events, Rajasthan shooters dominated, winning gold medals in both men’s and women’s pistol categories. Army and Uttar Pradesh athletes also delivered remarkable performances.

Through the participation of India’s Paralympic champions along with the rising new generation of shooters, this championship highlighted the bright future of para sports in the country.