The countdown has begun for the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, which will be hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi from 27 September to 5 October 2025. This is a landmark in Indian sporting history, as it will be the first time that India and indeed South Asia hosts the prestigious para athletics championships. The event has already captured global attention because of its scale, diversity, and promise of record-breaking performances.
Bringing together over 1,000 para athletes from more than 100 countries, the New Delhi edition is set to be one of the largest ever in terms of participation. For India, the tournament is also deeply symbolic it represents recognition of its growing presence in global para-sports and the success its athletes have achieved in recent years. According to the International Paralympic Committee, this edition will feature 186 medal events, which is 15 more than the previous championships in Kobe. That expansion highlights the inclusivity and progression of the sport at a global level.
The Prestige of Hosting in India
Hosting the championships is a matter of pride and responsibility. New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has undergone significant upgrades for the event. A new world-class MONDO athletics track has been laid, alongside improved warm-up areas, medical facilities, and accreditation zones, ensuring that athletes of all abilities have the best environment to compete in. The Government of India and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) have taken the lead in ensuring that the infrastructure meets international standards.
For India, this championship comes at a time when para-sport is gaining unprecedented recognition. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Indian athletes delivered their best-ever performance with 29 medals, including 17 in para athletics alone. That surge in success has not only lifted the morale of the athletes but also placed India firmly among the leading nations in the world of para-sport.
Athletes Who Carry the Nation’s Hopes
India will field its largest contingent ever at the World Para Athletics Championships, with a 73-member squad ready to compete across multiple disciplines. Some of the names are already household figures thanks to their exploits at the Paralympics and Asian Para Games.
One of the biggest stars is Sumit Antil, the reigning world and Paralympic champion in javelin throw F64. Sumit not only won gold at Paris 2024 with a throw of 70.59 meters, but also holds the world record of 73.29 meters, which he set at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. His consistency and dominance in the event make him one of India’s best medal hopes in New Delhi.
Another rising name is Preethi Pal, who became the first Indian woman to win two track medals at a single Paralympics. She claimed two bronzes in the 100m and 200m T35 events in Paris 2024 and has continued her form at the Kobe 2024 World Championships. Her story is a reflection of India’s growing depth in women’s para-athletics.
The Indian squad also boasts Praveen Kumar, who won gold in the high jump T64 at Paris. His technical precision and ability to deliver in big competitions make him a strong favourite in his event. Similarly, Dharambir Nain made headlines by winning gold in the F51 club throw in Paris with a throw of 34.92 meters. He will once again compete alongside his close rival and compatriot Pranav Soorma, ensuring India is well-represented on the podium.
Another name to watch is Deepthi Jeevanji, who has set a world record in the 400m T20 with a time of 55.06 seconds. She added a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics, showcasing both her potential and resilience. Meanwhile, Dilip Gavit, who won gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games in the 400m T47, continues to develop as a world-class sprinter despite his physical challenges.
Numbers That Highlight Growth
The story of Indian para athletics is best told through numbers. From a solitary gold medal at the 1972 Paralympics by Murlikant Petkar, India has now reached a tally of 60 Paralympic medals up to 2024, including 16 golds. The majority of this surge has come in the last two editions, where India’s para athletes have stepped onto the world stage with confidence and determination.
In Paris 2024 alone, Indian athletes set new benchmarks with 29 medals, far surpassing the 19 medals won at Tokyo 2020. This progress is mirrored in the squad size for the World Para Athletics Championships. From sending small teams in previous editions, India will now field a record 73 athletes, a sign of the growing pool of talent and investment in training.
Globally too, para athletics has grown in scope. The New Delhi championships will feature 186 medal events—101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event. This rise in competition categories reflects the commitment of the International Paralympic Committee to create space for more classifications and ensure fair competition.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the excitement is high, hosting an event of this magnitude also comes with challenges. Managing the logistics of over a thousand athletes, many of whom require special facilities, is a huge task. Accessibility in transport, accommodation, and medical support will be under the spotlight. Weather is another factor—late September in New Delhi can still be hot and humid, requiring careful scheduling to protect athletes’ health.
At the same time, the championships present India with an opportunity to transform its para-sports ecosystem. Improved infrastructure at stadiums, enhanced training facilities, and exposure to global standards can leave a long-lasting legacy. For young aspiring para athletes across the country, the championships offer inspiration and proof that world-class sport is within reach.
The Broader Impact on India and Para Sport
The importance of New Delhi 2025 goes beyond medals and records. It is about changing perceptions, celebrating inclusion, and reinforcing the idea that disability is not a barrier to excellence. Athletes like Sumit Antil, Preethi Pal, and Deepthi Jeevanji are role models who demonstrate the strength of resilience and determination. Their stories will resonate with millions, inspiring a new generation to take up sport.
For India, hosting this event enhances its reputation in international sporting circles. After the successful organisation of the 2010 Commonwealth Games and various world championships in recent years, the World Para Athletics Championships adds another feather in the cap. It underscores India’s readiness to host large-scale inclusive sporting events and shows its growing stature as a global sporting hub.
Conclusion
The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi is more than just another tournament on the sporting calendar. It is a celebration of human spirit, resilience, and excellence. With a record number of participants, upgraded facilities, and a home crowd eager to support, India is set to witness history unfold. As the athletes take the field, the world will see not only the growth of para athletics but also the rise of India as a central force in global para-sport.
Sources & References:
Wikipedia – India at the Paralympics
World Para Athletics Championships 2025 – Official Site
PIB Press Release – New Delhi to Host 2025 World Para Athletics
The Bridge – Indian Squad & Key Athletes
Sagnik Banerjee