Bhubaneswar :The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, the biggest para-sport event ever hosted in India, kicks off from September 27 to October 5 at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Bringing together over 2,200 athletes from 104 countries, the championships feature 186 medal events across men’s, women’s, and mixed categories, promising a thrilling showcase of determination, talent, and resilience.
What and Where:This 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships is held on Indian soil and the broader South Asia region for the first time, spotlighting the growing global importance of para-athletics. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 and India’s first outdoor Mondo track, is the prestigious venue for this historic event.
Who to Watch:India leads with a remarkable contingent of 73 athletes, including the world-record holder and two-time Paralympic javelin champion Sumit Antil. Other strong Indian contenders include Mahendra Gurjar, who set a world record in javelin F42 earlier this year, and Deepthi Jeevanji, the 400m T20 world champion. International superstars like Germany’s Markus Rehm, the “Blade Jumper” long jump world record holder, and Swiss wheelchair racer Catherine Debrunner, who dominated Paris 2024 with five gold medals, will also captivate audiences
Why It Matters:India’s para-athletics success story has been rising steadily. Track and field brought home 17 medals at the Paris Paralympics, including four golds—the highest from any single discipline. Hosting this event boosts awareness and support for para-sports nationwide and inspires a new generation of athletes.
When to Watch:Action unfolds for nine days, with competition starting on September 27 after classification rounds from September 23 to 26. Fans can watch live coverage on Doordarshan Sports (DD Sports) and the Waves app in India, while global audiences can stream all events free on the official Paralympic Games YouTube channel
Quotes to Note:Sumit Antil, speaking ahead of the championships, said, “Competing at home with the roar of the crowd behind me gives me extra strength to defend my world title.” The event mascot, Viraaj—a young elephant with a blade prosthesis—symbolizes the spirit of strength, optimism, and resilience at the heart of para-athletics.Key Facts:Over 2,200 athletes from 104 countries186 medal events (101 men’s, 84 women’s, 1 mixed)Venue upgraded with India’s first outdoor Mondo trackIndia’s largest-ever para-sport event hostedPara-athletic disciplines include track races, javelin, long jump, and wheelchair racesHow to Follow:Besides live telecasts and streaming, highlights, results, and athlete interviews will be available daily on official World Para Athletics social media platforms and website, making it easy for fans to stay updated on every inspirational moment.The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi is set not only to be a contest of athletic excellence but also a celebration of human spirit, inclusivity, and sporting passion — a landmark event for Indian and global para sports alike.
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