Team Herald
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PANJIM: Sakshi Kale, international silver medalist and Khelo India gold medalist has made Goa proud on being the only Goan to form part of the Indian contingent representing the nation at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 scheduled from June 2 to 4, in Paris, France.
Sakshi’s selection comes on the back of her strong performances at the 2nd Khelo India Para National and the World Para Athlete Grand Prix 2025 at Delhi where she won a Gold and Silver respectively in the 100m.
During the interaction organised at Sesa Ghor, Vedanta Sesa Goa CEO Navin Jaju congratulated Sakshi on her selection to the Indian contingent for the prestigious World Para Athletics Grand Prix.
He said, “I wish Sakshi the very best for the World Para Athlete Grand Prix 2025. She is a role model and Iron Lady and inspires us all with her spirit and enthusiasm. We, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are extremely proud of her selection and at being the only Goan as part of the Indian contingent for the prestigious competition."
"It is our privilege to be able to be a part of her endeavours, as part of our #IronLadies25 initiative, to bring greater athletics glory to India. Vedanta believes in ‘giving back’ meaningfully and we pursue this by empowering sportspersons and bridging the gap between opportunities and aspirations,” Navin said.
Goa Paralympic Association Secretary Sudesh Thakur said, “We wish Sakshi the very best for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 and are confident of her abilities and potential to perform at the top level. I am also thankful to Vedanta Sesa Goa for extending support to Sakshi, which will further encourage her. Vedanta Sesa Goa have been traditionally involved with supporting sportspersons and of nurturing many sporting careers through the Sesa Football Academy.”
Overall 23 para-athletes have been selected to represent India at the WPAGP 2025, with Sakshi being the only one from Goa. A versatile para-athlete she will be competing in the 400m and the 1500m events. She has previously won.
Sakshi said that “I am extremely happy at having got the opportunity to represent India at the world stage and am thankful to the Government of India for supporting and facilitating the efforts of the para-athletes."
"I also thank the Goa Paralympic Association for their support and guidance at every stage of my career. Vedanta Sesa Goa has been extremely supportive of my requirements and their assistance is a matter of tremendous support, and I am thankful to them for wholeheartedly backing me and strengthening my resolve to bring glory to India,” she added.
Sakshi, a resident of Usgao, and a student of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, is a role model for all and has demonstrated ‘iron will’ and determination in overcoming visual impairment to create a mark for herself at the international level.
It is a matter of great pride for Goa that she is now representing India at the international stage. A multi discipline winner at both the senior and junior para nationals, Sakshi has also been regularly participating in middle distance runs and events, stated a press release.