The Indian capital is making history by hosting the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, marking the first time the event is held in India and South Asia. Scheduled from September 27 to October 5, the championships are taking place at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, featuring over 2,200 athletes from 104 countries competing in 186 medal events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the championships, emphasizing India’s commitment to inclusivity and sporting excellence. He stated that hosting the event reaffirms India’s image as a “sporting and inclusive” nation on the global stage. The event is organized by World Para Athletics, the sport branch of the International Paralympic Committee.
The championships are being held on India’s first outdoor Mondo track, specially constructed for this occasion at a cost of ₹24.25 crore. The track was completed in a record time of just four months, showcasing India’s capability to host international sporting events.
India has fielded a strong team of 73 athletes, including notable para-athletes such as Sumit Antil, a world record holder and back-to-back Paralympic gold medalist in javelin throw, and Deepthi Jeevanji, who set a world record in the 400m T20 race at the 2024 World Championships. The Indian team is aiming to build on its success from previous championships, where it secured 17 medals, including 6 golds, at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe.
The championships feature 186 medal events across 101 men’s, 84 women’s, and 1 mixed event. Over 100 Paralympic medalists from the Paris 2024 Games are competing, bringing a high level of competition to the event. Athletes like Germany’s Markus Rehm, known as the “Blade Jumper,” are expected to be among the standout performers.
The official mascot for the championships is “Viraaj,” a spirited young elephant with a blade prosthesis. Viraaj symbolizes strength, optimism, inclusivity, courage, and resilience, reflecting the spirit of para-athletes and India’s rich heritage. The event is also a platform for promoting accessibility and empowerment in sports, with a focus on breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. The championships are expected to inspire millions and contribute to the growth of para-sports in India and globally.
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi are not just a sporting event but a celebration of human spirit and resilience. With strong performances from Indian athletes and global participation, the championships are set to leave a lasting legacy in the world of para-athletics.
