The Junior Age

Author: Mitali k

India Shines Bright at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi concluded with India making history. Hosting the prestigious event for the first time, the country showcased talent, determination, and resilience on the global stage. The official mascot, Viraaj, a young elephant with a blade prosthesis, symbolised courage, optimism, and the unstoppable spirit of para-athletes.

Brazil finished at the top of the medal tally with 44 medals, including 15 gold, 20 silver and 9 bronze. China, with 13 gold, 22 silver and 17 bronze medals, was the team with the most medals (52) but finished in second place due to winning two fewer golds than Brazil. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran, with 9 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals, finished at the number three spot. India’s 73 athletes delivered their best-ever performance, winning a total of 22 medals – 6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze. The Junior Age has all the details from the World Para Athletics Championships 2025.

India breaks record at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 by winning 22 medals:

6 Gold Medals India bagged at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025

1. Sumit Antil – Men’s Javelin Throw F64

Sumit Antil clinched his third consecutive gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F64 event. His remarkable throw of 71.37 metres not only secured the top podium spot but also underscored his dominance in the sport.

2. Sandip Singh Sargar – Men’s Javelin Throw F44

Sandip Singh Sargar achieved a personal best throw of 62.82 metres in the Men’s Javelin Throw F44, earning him the gold medal.

3. Shailesh Kumar – Men’s High Jump T63

Shailesh Kumar secured gold with a jump of 1.85 metres in the Men’s High Jump T63 at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025.

4. Rinku Hooda – Men’s Javelin Throw F46

Rinku Hooda achieved a personal best throw of 66.37 metres in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46, clinching the gold medal.

5. Nishad Kumar – Men’s High Jump T47

Nishad Kumar added another gold to India’s tally with a jump of 2.14 metres in the Men’s High Jump T47.

6. Simran Sharma – Women’s 100m T12

Simran Sharma sprinted to the finish line in 11.95 seconds in the Women’s 100m T12, earning the gold medal.

Paralympic Committee of India

India Brings Home 9 Silver Medals

1. Deepthi Jeevanji – Women’s 400m T20

Deepthi Jeevanji clocked 55.16 seconds to secure silver in the Women’s 400m T20, marking her second World Championship medal.

2. Sundar Singh Gurjar – Men’s Javelin Throw F46

Sundar Singh Gurjar earned silver with a throw of 64.76 metres in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46.

3. Sandeep – Men’s Javelin Throw F44

Sandeep secured silver with a throw of 61.50 metres in the Men’s Javelin Throw F44.

4. Yogesh Kathuniya – Men’s Discus Throw F56

Yogesh Kathuniya won silver with a throw of 46.50 metres in the Men’s Discus Throw F56.

5. Dharambir – Men’s Club Throw F51

Dharambir won silver with a throw of 29.71 metres in the Men’s Club Throw F51.

6. Simran Sharma – Women’s 100m T12

Simran Sharma added another silver to India’s bag by sprinting in 24.46 seconds in the Women’s 100m T12.

7. Navdeep Singh – Men’s Javelin Throw F41

Navdeep Singh earned silver with a throw of 45.46 metres in the Men’s Javelin Throw F41.

8. Preethi Pal – Women’s 100m T35

Preethi Pal overcame a pistol malfunction to bag silver in the Women’s 100m T35, finishing with a season-best 14.33 seconds.

9. Ekta Bhyan – Women’s Club Throw F51

Ekta Bhyan won silver with a season-best throw of 19.80 metres in the Women’s Club Throw F51.

World Para Athletics Championships 2025
Paralympic Committee of India

India won 7 Bronze Medals at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025

1. Varun Singh Bhati – Men’s High Jump T63

Varun Singh Bhati won bronze with 1.80 metres jump in the Men’s High Jump T63, marking his second World Championship medal.

2. Atul Kaushik – Men’s Discus Throw F57

Atul Kaushik secured bronze with a throw of 45.61 metres in the Men’s Discus Throw F57.

3. Sandeep – Men’s 200m T44

Sandeep secured a bronze with a personal best of 23.60 seconds in the Men’s 200m T44.

4. Preethi Pal – Women’s 200m T35

Preethi Pal became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic track medals by clocking 30.03 seconds in the Women’s 200m T35.

5. Pardeep Kumar – Men’s Discus Throw F64

Pardeep Kumar won bronze with a throw of 45.61 metres in the Men’s Discus Throw F64.

6. Praveen Kumar – Men’s High Jump T64

Praveen Kumar secured bronze with a jump of 1.80 metres in the Men’s High Jump T64.

7. Soman Rana – Men’s Shot Put F57

Soman Rana earned bronze with a strategic throw of 15.30 metres in the Men’s Shot Put F57.

World Para Athletics Championships 2025
Paralympic Committee of India

Also, read about – World Archery Para Championships 2025: Sheetal Devi’s Groundbreaking Golden Victory

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Everything You Need To Know About FIFA World Cup 2026 Mascots And Trionda Ball

Football fans, get ready to cheer! The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing football, fun, and some seriously cool mascots ready to light up the tournament. And that is not all! The official match ball, Trionda, is here too, packed with smart technology and a colourful design celebrating the three host countries. The Junior Age has all the details in here for you.

Know everything about the mascots and official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026:

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest yet, with matches hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These mascots aim to reflect the unique cultural values and identities of the three host nations, bringing excitement and energy to the tournament. To represent the spirit of these nations, FIFA has introduced three dynamic mascots:

Canada: Maple the Moose

Maple is a creative and resilient moose from Canada. Inspired by the maple leaf, a national symbol, Maple embodies the spirit of community and artistic flair. As a goalkeeper, Maple is ready to defend the goal with style and determination.

FIFA World Cup

Mexico: Zayu the Jaguar

Zayu is a passionate and agile jaguar from Mexico. As the team’s striker and captain, Zayu leads with strength and cultural pride, symbolising the rich heritage of Mexico. Zayu’s energy and leadership will inspire fans around the world.

Meet the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Mascots and Match Ball
FIFA World Cup

USA: Clutch the Bald Eagle

Clutch is a courageous and adventurous bald eagle from the United States. Playing as a midfielder, Clutch represents the values of freedom and unity, soaring high above the competition with skill and grace.

FIFA World Cup

Introducing Trionda: The Official Match Ball of FIFA World Cup 2026

Adidas has unveiled Trionda as the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup. The name ‘Trionda’ combines ‘tri’ (three) and ‘onda’ (wave), symbolising the unity and vibrancy of the three host countries.

Meet the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Mascots and Match Ball
FIFA World Cup

Design & Features

Trionda’s design features a red, green, and blue colour scheme, representing the host nations: red for Canada, green for Mexico, and blue for the United States. The ball’s triangular pattern and embossed textures enhance grip and aerodynamics, ensuring optimal performance on the field.

Advanced Technology

Trionda incorporates advanced technology with a 500 Hz motion sensor that transmits real-time data to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). This innovation aids in analysing controversial plays, such as double-touch penalties or handball incidents, enhancing the accuracy of refereeing decisions.

Climate Considerations

For the first time, the official World Cup ball has been designed with specific climate conditions in mind. Trionda underwent extensive testing to ensure consistent performance across the diverse weather patterns of the 16 host cities, from the cooler climates of Vancouver to the warmer temperatures of Mexico City.

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World Archery Para Championships 2025: Sheetal Devi’s Groundbreaking Golden Victory

18-year-old Sheetal Devi created history at the Para World Archery Championships 2025 in South Korea. Born without fully developed arms, she didn’t let anything hold her back. Using just her feet and chin, she became the first armless woman to win gold in the women’s compound individual category at the 2025 Para World Archery Championships in South Korea. With The Junior Age, know all about Sheetal Devi’s winning moment.

Know all about how Sheetal Devi Makes History with Gold at the Para World Archery Championships 2025:

At just 18 years old, Sheetal Devi made history by becoming the first armless woman to win a gold medal in the women’s compound individual category at the 2025 Para World Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. In a thrilling final, she defeated Oznur Cure Girdi, the world No.1 from Turkey, with a score of 146–143. Competing against top international athletes, Sheetal showcased exceptional skill and determination, solidifying her status as a rising star in para sports.

Sheetal started training in 2022, and within just 11 months, she was already winning medals at the Asian Para Games, including two golds and a silver.

Sheetal Devi And Her Numerous Wins

Sheetal didn’t just stop at her gold medal. She also teamed up with Sarita Adhana to win silver in the women’s team event and joined Toman Kumar to grab bronze in the mixed team event. Together, they showed that teamwork and determination can take you far.

Sheetal has already won India’s Arjuna Award, one of the country’s highest sports honours, and even set a world record in the 2024 Summer Paralympics ranking round.

In 2023, Sheetal Devi’s stellar debut season started with an individual silver at the World Archery Para Championships, becoming the first female armless archer to win a medal in the competition’s history. The medal also helped Sheetal obtain a quota for India for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Her impressive season continued at the Asian Para Games 2023 in October. She bagged gold medals in the individual compound and mixed team events, apart from winning the silver medal in the women’s doubles competition.

World Archery Para Championships 2025: Sheetal Devi’s Groundbreaking Golden Victory
Olympics

Sheetal Devi’s Early Days

Sheetal was born in Loidhar village in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 10, 2007. Despite being born with a physical condition that posed inherent challenges, Sheetal Devi was athletically gifted and never let her limitations stop her from making the most of her childhood.

As a kid, Sheetal possessed a strong will and enjoyed climbing trees as a pastime. The activity helped her build a strong upper body, which proved to be a turning point later in her life.

In 2022, during a youth event organised by the Indian Army, coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Wadhwan noticed her incredible potential. That was the start of her journey into competitive archery, a journey that would soon make her a world champion.

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Mirabai Chanu Wins a Silver at Weightlifting World Championships 2025

India’s weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu is setting new records at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025. She lifted to winning a silver medal, adding another glittering achievement to her illustrious career. What this really means is that every lift she executes is not just a display of power, but a testament to years of hard work, resilience, and sheer will. The Junior Age has all the details for you.

Know all about India’s Mirabai Chanu and her silver win at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025:

Mirabai Chanu just added another sparkling medal to her already glittering career. Indian weightlifting sensation won the silver medal in the women’s 48kg category at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held in Forde, Norway. Her remarkable performance included a combined total lift of 199kg, comprising 84kg in the snatch and 115kg in the clean and jerk. This achievement marks her third career medal at the World Championships, reaffirming her status as one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters.

Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal is particularly significant as it ends India’s three-year wait for a podium finish at the World Championships, highlighting her resilience and dedication to the sport. The gold medal in this category was claimed by North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, who set new world records with a 91kg snatch, a 122kg clean and jerk, and a total lift of 213kg. Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen secured the bronze with a total lift of 198kg.

Chanu’s performance in Norway follows her triumphant return to competitive weightlifting, where she secured gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad earlier this year. Her consistent excellence continues to inspire aspiring athletes and solidify her legacy in the sport.

This was Chanu’s 14th international medal, including an Olympic silver (Tokyo 2021), Commonwealth Games medals (three, including gold in 2018 & 2022), five Commonwealth Championship medals, a 2020 Asian Championships bronze, and 2016 South Asian Games gold.

Also read – India Set New Records At the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025

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Life On Mars? NASA’s Perseverance Rover Provides Strong Evidence

For decades, scientists have wondered whether life ever existed beyond Earth, and Mars has always been one of the biggest mysteries. Thanks to NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been exploring the planet since 2021, we are now closer than ever to answering that question. The Junior Age has all the details you need to know about the rover’s latest and most exciting findings.

Could Life Have Existed on Mars? NASA’s Perseverance Rover Offers Clues:

Since touching down on the Red Planet in February 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover has been on an extraordinary mission: exploring Jezero Crater, a region that was once home to an ancient lake and river. The goal is to uncover signs that life may have existed on Mars billions of years ago.

The Hunt for Clues on Mars

Perseverance has been busily collecting and analysing rocks using its suite of onboard instruments. One of the most exciting discoveries came from a dried-up riverbed, where the rover found rocks marked with unusual patterns like leopard spots.

These spots are not just pretty patterns; they could be chemical footprints of life. The rocks are roughly 3.5 billion years old, dating back to a time when Mars may have had liquid water on its surface.

Life On Mars? NASA’s Perseverance Rover Provides Strong Evidence
Platform VOX

What do the Leopard Spots Mean?

On Earth, similar markings appear when microbes interact with minerals in mud, forming new minerals like vivianite and greigite. According to Joel Hurowitz, the lead scientist on the project, these chemical reactions are often but not always driven by living organisms. These leopard spots could be the remnants of ancient Martian microbes, tiny organisms that lived long ago and are too small to see without a microscope.

There may also be non-living, natural processes that could produce similar markings. While the leopard spots are the strongest evidence yet pointing toward possible ancient life on Mars, scientists caution that it is not proof.

Life On Mars? NASA’s Perseverance Rover Provides Strong Evidence
Astronomy

To confirm whether life ever existed on Mars, researchers will need to examine the rocks in more detail back on Earth. NASA is already planning a future mission to bring Perseverance’s collected samples home for deeper study. Until then, the Red Planet continues to guard its ancient secrets, but the clues are stacking up.

Finding signs of past life on Mars would be a historic moment for science. It could reshape our understanding of life in the universe and inspire future generations of explorers. For now, these leopard-spotted rocks are tantalising evidence that Mars was once a planet with the conditions to support life.

Also, read about – Have Scientists Discovered Life Beyond Our Solar System?

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