New Delhi, March 25 (HS): On the fifth day of the Khelo India Para Games 2025, two new national records were set in powerlifting, while Paralympic shooters also performed excellently. Seema Rani from Punjab and Jhandu Kumar from Bihar broke records in powerlifting, winning gold medals.
Seema Rani set a new national record by lifting 97 kg in the women’s elite 61 kg category, while Jhandu Kumar broke his own record by lifting 206 kg in the men’s elite 72 kg category. This was Jhandu's second medal at the Khelo India Para Games, having previously won silver in 2023.
At the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist Mona Agarwal won the gold medal in the mixed 50 meter prone SH1 event with a score of 243.3 points. Earlier, she had already won silver in the women's 10 meter air rifle standing SH1 and the mixed 10 meter air rifle prone SH2 events.
Nihal Singh from Rajasthan, who has also qualified for the Paris Paralympics, retained his gold medal in the mixed 25 meter pistol SH1 competition. This was his second consecutive victory, as he had also won a gold medal in the same event at the first Khelo India Para Games held in December 2023.
As of the time of writing, a total of 160 medals had been determined, with Haryana leading with 29 gold medals. Tamil Nadu (24 gold) and Rajasthan (22 gold) occupy the second and third positions respectively.
39-year-old Seema Rani, who has been afflicted with polio since the age of three, began her career in para powerlifting five years ago and has represented India in several international competitions since then. She stated, Setting a new national record and winning the gold medal is a matter of pride. SAI (Sports Authority of India) has provided world-class facilities, which gives us a chance to perform better.
28-year-old Jhandu Kumar, who has been active in powerlifting since 2014, said, I felt good winning silver earlier, but I am even happier to turn that into gold now. The Khelo India Para Games is a great platform for para athletes.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
