Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 3: Para shooters Kavin Kengnalkar, Aadithya Giri, and Aakansha delivered stellar performances at the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025, held in New Delhi last month. The shooting events, hosted at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range from March 21-25, saw intense competition, with the trio making a significant mark.
Kavin Kengnalkar and Aadithya Giri showcased exceptional skill in the R1 10m Air Rifle Standing Men SH1 event, securing silver and bronze medals, respectively. Meanwhile, Aakansha earned a bronze in the R2 10m Air Rifle Women Standing category, adding to her growing list of accolades.
Aadithya Giri, a 25-year-old shooter from Chennai, has overcome immense challenges, having battled Spina Bifida since birth. Reflecting on his journey and the role of Para Project Leap, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received. "Being part of the Gun for Glory Academy and Para Project Leap has been transformative. The initiative has provided me with comprehensive training and personal growth opportunities. Gagan Narang sir, my idol, has been an incredible mentor for para shooters and able-bodied athletes alike."
He also praised the Khelo India initiative for fostering inclusivity in Indian sports. “Khelo India Para Games has created a platform for both top-tier and junior athletes to compete and learn from each other, making our sporting culture more inclusive," he added.
Aakansha, originally from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, faced a life-altering accident in 2008, losing her left leg above the thigh in a train mishap. However, her determination led her to sports, and in 2016, she embraced shooting as her passion.
Speaking about Para Project Leap, the 29-year-old acknowledged the initiative’s immense impact on her career. “The program has been instrumental in my journey, offering world-class coaching, access to international experts, and sports psychologists to build mental resilience. It has been a life-changing experience.”
She also commended the organization of KIPG 2025, calling it a "world-class event" that provided an opportunity to compete alongside senior players and gain valuable insights. “It was a fantastic experience, and we are grateful to the government for introducing this initiative," she said.
Both athletes are part of Para Project Leap, a fully sponsored program launched by the Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation (GNSPF) in collaboration with Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) in 2022. The project aims to identify and nurture para-shooting athletes by providing world-class training facilities, foreign coaching, and access to sports science resources.
The success of this initiative has been evident, with athletes from the program delivering outstanding performances at national-level championships. Olympic bronze medalist and GNSPF founder Gagan Narang expressed his pride in the achievements of Kavin, Aadithya, and Aakansha.
“Our vision for Para Project Leap was to provide para shooters with world-class training and support, enabling them to compete at the highest levels. Seeing these athletes excel on such a prestigious platform is proof of their dedication and the impact of this initiative. We remain committed to nurturing talent and driving excellence in para sports," Narang stated.
The remarkable performances of these athletes at KIPG 2025 reaffirm India’s growing strength in para sports, with initiatives like Para Project Leap paving the way for future champions.