New Delhi: The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 came to a grand close in New Delhi, marking a defining chapter in India’s sporting history. Hosting the event for the first time, India not only delivered a spectacular championship but also achieved its best-ever medal tally — 22 medals (6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze).
With this feat, India joined an elite list — becoming only the fourth Asian nation after Qatar, the UAE, and Japan to host the prestigious global event. The seamless execution at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, hailed by athletes and legends alike, showcased India’s readiness to host major international para sporting events — even the Paralympics.
A New Era of Inclusion and Excellence
India’s rise in para sports has been meteoric. From 9 medals at Dubai 2019 to 17 at Kobe 2024, and now 22 in New Delhi, the graph mirrors the nation’s commitment to inclusion, infrastructure, and athlete welfare.
The government’s sustained support through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India programme has borne fruit — with 15 medal-winning athletes under TOPS and one under Khelo India in WPAC 2025.
Global Icons Laud India’s Efforts
Dutch Paralympian Fleur Jong, a six-time world champion and three-time Paralympic medallist, was effusive in her praise:
“It has been a fantastic experience here in India. Everyone — from officials to volunteers and medical staff — has been so welcoming. The event was organised beautifully. I’d love to come back again,” she said.
German long jump legend Markus Rehm echoed the sentiment, calling the Indian hospitality “exceptional,” while Canada’s Greg Stewart, gold medallist in shot put, added, “The warmth of the people and the energy in the stadium were unforgettable.”
Indian Legends Celebrate the Milestone
Veteran Paralympian and PCI President Dr. Deepa Malik hailed the championship as a moment of transformation:
“I never imagined India would host the World Para Athletics Championships this magnificently. Hosting over 100 nations is a proud achievement. This event has put India on the global para sports map — and yes, we are ready for 2036,” she said.
Coach and Paralympic medallist Amit Saroha, who trained medal-winners Ekta Bhyan and Dharambir, described WPAC 2025 as “the best-organised event in Indian sports history.”
“From accessibility to athlete support, the arrangements matched the best in the world. India can now confidently host the Paralympics,” he said.
From Vision to Victory
Triple world champion Sumit Antil, who shattered records in the men’s javelin throw (F64), credited the government’s structured support: “TOPS changed the game. With top-tier training, nutrition, and recovery facilities, we’ve reached a level once unimaginable,” he said.
India’s Defining Moment in Para Sports
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships didn’t just end with medals — it ended with a message: India has emerged as a global hub of inclusive sports, setting a new benchmark for organisation, empathy, and excellence.
