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New Delhi: The 2025 edition of World Para Athletics Championships officially got underway in New Delhi with a stirring message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He hailed the event as a landmark moment in India’s sporting journey. Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Prime Minister said hosting the tournament reaffirms India’s image as both a sporting and inclusive nation.
“By breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, para athletes have played a vital role in strengthening India’s identity as a rising sporting hub, motivating millions to embrace sports as a way of life,” Modi said in his address to over 2,200 athletes from 100 nations. India becomes only the fourth Asian nation to stage the championships after Qatar (2015), the UAE (2019) and Japan (2024).
The grand ceremony was attended by Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Smt Raksha Khadse, Delhi Chief Minister Srimati Rekha Gupta, MP Kangana Ranaut, Education Minister Ashish Sood and World Para Athletics head Paul Fitzgerald.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium showcased its newly-laid Mondo track, shaded in blue and identical to the one used at the Paris Paralympics. Dr Mandaviya, who declared the event open, called the championship a moment of “pride, progress and purpose” for India. He also highlighted the presence of the country’s largest-ever para contingent- 74 athletes including stars like Sumit Antil, Deepthi Jeevanji, Preethi Pal, Dharambir Nain and Praveen Kumar.
The 2025 edition offers 186 gold medals and promises high-intensity action in front of packed stands and global audiences. Fitzgerald noted that while records will fall and champions will emerge, the event is also about resilience, emotions and the broader impact of sport.
Hosting the World Para Athletics Championships is a crucial step in India’s long-term ambition to stage major global competitions. Dr Mandaviya reiterated that plans are already in motion for the 2030 Commonwealth Games with the larger dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics. “These ambitions will fuel infrastructure growth and sporting dreams across the nation,” he said.
Beyond medals, India aims to leave behind a legacy of stronger support systems and improved accessibility for para-athletes. Modi praised the athletes’ determination, calling their achievements an inspiration that proves no challenge is insurmountable.
India comes into the tournament with growing momentum, having recorded its best-ever performance at Kobe last year with 17 medals including six gold. With the event now on home soil expectations are even much higher for another breakthrough showing.
The spotlight is firmly on India’s para-athletes, who carry not just the hopes of a nation but also the promise of a more inclusive sporting future.
