New Delhi Welcomes 2025 Para Athletics World Championships

Next year’s Para Athletics World Championships will take place in New Delhi, marking an exciting first for India as it prepares to host this prestigious event. Announced by World Para Athletics (WPA) on Thursday, 19 December, the championships are scheduled to be held from 26 September to 5 October 2025 at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

As the world’s largest single Para sport event, New Delhi 2025 will be the 12th edition of these championships, making it a significant milestone in the history of Para athletics. This will also be the fourth time the competition has graced Asia, following successful events in Doha in 2015, Dubai in 2019, and Kobe in 2024.

Adding to the excitement, WPA has confirmed that the Indian capital will host a World Para Athletics Grand Prix for the first time on 11-13 March 2025, also at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This earlier event will provide fans with a thrilling glimpse into the world of Para athletics, setting the stage for the World Championships later in the year.

Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the championships to India. He stated, “We are delighted to announce that the first major championships of the new Paralympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028 will be hosted in New Delhi. The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships will be the largest international Para sport event ever to take place in India, representing a massive opportunity to grow our sport, our fan base, and to impact society’s perception of persons with disabilities in the world’s most populous nation.”

Fitzgerald’s words underscore not just the significance of the event but also the rapid growth of Para athletics in India. From earning two silver medals at the Doha 2015 World Championships to achieving a remarkable haul of 17 medals, including six golds, this year in Kobe, the scale of India’s progress is undeniable. The National Paralympic Committee of India has played a vital role in this journey, driving efforts to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Para sports across the nation.

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In a statement, the National Paralympic Committee of India (NPC India) expressed its pride in hosting the championships. They described the event as a momentous milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse. “This championship will not only elevate India’s position on the global sports map but will also play a pivotal role in accelerating the Paralympic movement within the country,” the NPC made clear. With a population exceeding 60 million people with disabilities, this gathering is crucial in fostering inclusivity, empowering athletes, and expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Amidst the anticipation, one cannot help but remember the inspirational power of previous championships that illuminated the talents and tenacity of Para athletes. The recent edition of the World Championships in Kobe saw over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 nations compete fiercely. China led the medal tally with an astounding 33 gold medals and an impressive 87 podium finishes, while India notably secured its place among the top six for the very first time—a testament to the hard work and determination of its athletes.

The hosting of the Para Athletics World Championships in India serves as a beacon of hope and change, akin to a torch illuminating a path for future generations. It firmly positions India on the global stage, showcasing both the nation’s burgeoning talent and its commitment to inclusivity in sports.

Moreover, this event aligns with the ambitions of the Indian government to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. With a clear strategy in place, the NPC India hopes that this championship will accelerate the growth of Para sports, making it an integral part of the country’s sports culture.

The Delhi 2025 Para Athletics World Championships herald a new dawn for adaptive sports, presenting a unique opportunity to engage and inspire the public while providing a platform for athletes to shine. As the date approaches, the anticipation builds, and the narratives of resilience, triumph, and passion promise to unfold on the world stage.

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With the world watching, athletes will step into the spotlight not merely as competitors but as ambassadors of their respective communities, championing the rights and visibility of persons with disabilities. As preparations unfold, the hearts and minds of a billion-plus individuals will be layered in hope, ready to welcome a new chapter in the illustrious story of Para athletics.