India is gearing up to host the prestigious World Para Athletics Championship for the first time in 2025. The mega event will be held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN Stadium) in New Delhi, with the competition expected to take place in November 2025. This landmark event will significantly boost India’s reputation in the realm of sports for para-athletes.
The Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) has secured an agreement with World Para Athletics, a branch of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), to bring this major sporting event to India. The event will feature over 100 countries, making it a global stage for para-athletes to compete and showcase their talents. India’s hosting of the World Para Athletics Championship aligns with the country's growing commitment to advancing the sports sector, particularly for athletes with disabilities.
The event is expected to cost around Rs 40-50 crore, which will go towards upgrading the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in preparation for the Championship. One of the key upgrades is the installation of a new synthetic track that meets World Para Athletics' stringent standards. In addition, PCI has already submitted a request to the Indian government for a no-objection certificate (NOC) and has made the necessary hosting guarantee payment to the international body. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has also awarded the renovation contract for the stadium, ensuring that it meets the required standards for such a high-profile event.
The World Para Athletics Championship will be one of the largest sporting events for para-athletes in India’s history. Over 1,000 para-athletes from around the world are expected to participate, which will provide them with a platform to showcase their incredible talents. This event is expected to have a far-reaching impact, enhancing awareness and creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in sports. A PCI official highlighted that this championship would be a significant milestone, much like the success India witnessed during the Para Shooting World Cup held in New Delhi in 2024.
India’s success in para-sports has been gaining recognition on the global stage. At the 2024 Para World Championships held in Kobe, Japan, India achieved its best-ever performance, finishing sixth in the overall medal tally. The Indian team secured a total of 17 medals, including six gold, five silver, and six bronze. This achievement reflects the growing strength of India’s para-athletes and their determination to excel in international competitions.
As the host nation, India is expected to field a large team at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championship. The country’s growing investment in sports for people with disabilities, alongside the upgrades to infrastructure, further reinforces India’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive sporting culture. With the experience gained from hosting successful events such as the Para Shooting World Cup, India is well on its way to ensuring the success of this world-class event in 2025.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championship will be a defining moment for para-sports in India. With global participation, substantial investments in infrastructure, and a focus on athletes’ welfare, the event is set to leave a lasting legacy on India's sporting landscape. As the country continues to rise as a competitive force in the world of para-sports, this Championship will undoubtedly pave the way for further growth and recognition of athletes with disabilities.