Under bright lights at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, India ushered in a new chapter of sporting history by hosting the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) — the largest gathering of para-athletes the nation has ever seen. With over 2,200 participants from 100 countries, the event signals India’s emergence as a global leader in inclusive sports.
PM Modi’s Message: A Nation of Champions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special video message, celebrated India’s hosting of the WPAC, calling it a testament to India’s “sporting and inclusive spirit.” He praised para-athletes for breaking barriers and inspiring millions, highlighting their role in making sports a way of life.
“Sport connects people, transcending barriers of religion, region and nationality. This championship will leave behind a legacy of unity and inspiration,” the PM said.
Firsts for India: Record Athletes, World-Class Infrastructure
India has fielded its largest-ever para contingent — 74 athletes, including icons like Sumit Antil, Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, Dharambir Nain, and Praveen Kumar.
The WPAC also marks the debut of a new Mondo track at the stadium, designed to world standards and inaugurated on National Sports Day, 29 August. The facility includes a warm-up track and a state-of-the-art gymnasium for 200 athletes.
Global Eyes on New Delhi
World Para Athletics chief Paul Fitzgerald praised India’s facilities and scale of ambition:
“Yes, world records will be broken. Yes, world champions will be crowned. But this championship is also about resilience and the human spirit.”
Events begin 27 September, with 186 gold medals at stake. Spectators and a global audience will watch athletes push limits, break records, and inspire a new era of para-sports.
Stepping Stones to a Bigger Sporting Future
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya officially declared the championship open, calling it “a milestone for India’s pride, progress, and purpose.” He also revealed India’s ambitions for Commonwealth Games 2030 and Olympic Games 2036, saying these mega-events will accelerate infrastructure and youth engagement.
“Beyond medals lies a deeper legacy,” Dr. Mandaviya added. “We are building a mindset of inclusion, equal opportunity, and world-class support for our para-athletes.”
A Legacy of Resilience
India’s para-athletes are riding on back-to-back record-breaking performances — 17 medals at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe and 10 medals at the 2023 edition in Paris. The New Delhi WPAC offers them home-ground advantage and a chance to rewrite history again.
As PM Modi summed up:
“The remarkable performances of para-athletes have redefined resilience and determination. Their achievements prove no challenge is insurmountable.”
