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India’s Para Stars Gear Up for World Para Athletics in New Delhi 2025

The countdown is on! India is all set to host the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 for the very first time, and the excitement is soaring. From javelin champions to sprint queens, our para athletes are ready to light up the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

World Para Athletics in New Delhi Event Snapshot at a Glance:

With over 100 countries expected to participate, this is the largest para sporting event to take place in India, making it a proud moment for both athletes and fans. Know more details below:

  • Dates: 27 September to 5 October 2025
  • Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
  • Mascot: Viraaj, a spirited young elephant with a running blade, symbolising strength and resilience
  • Events: 186 medal events (101 men, 84 women, 1 mixed)
  • Countries Participating: Over 100 teams from across the globe
India’s Para Stars Gear Up for World Para Athletics in New Delhi 2025

Also read, Introducing Viraaj Mascot For 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

Know Team India’s Trailblazers

India has named a 73-member squad (19 women & 54 men) to compete across multiple track and field categories.

Flag Bearers:

  • Dharambir Nain is a Paris Paralympics gold medallist (club throw)
  • Preethi Pal is a Sprint star and Paralympic bronze medallist

Lead Athlete:

Javelin sensation Sumit Antil (double Paralympic champ) leads the squad

Star Athlete:

Sumit Antil is a Double Paralympic gold medallist in javelin throw, leading India’s charge

Quick Peek At Some Athletes to Watch At The World Para Athletics 2025

Women

  • Preethi Pal: Sprint star, Paralympics bronze medallist, Arjuna Awardee
  • Deepthi Jeevanji: Runs 400m T20, world record holder, Arjuna Awardee
  • Bhagyashri Jadhav: Shot Put F34 specialist from Maharashtra

Men

  • Solairaj Dharmaraj: Army Subedar, long jump T64 gold at Asian Para Games
  • Soman Rana: Shot put F56/57, strong national performer with international achievements
  • Valasamgari Bhavani: Multi-event athlete (100m, 200m, long jump, shot put), World Grand Prix 2025 champion

P.S.: This list is just a glance! India’s squad covers a wide array of athletic heroes. You can find the full roster here if you want to explore more names!)

Also read, Para Swimmer Jiya Rai Conquers The World!

Know Why This Championship Is Historic

The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 is a milestone moment for India. For the very first time, the country will host this prestigious event, placing New Delhi on the global para sports map.

It is also set to witness the biggest-ever participation of athletes for a para sporting event in India, making it larger and more inclusive than anything seen before. What makes it even more special is that Indian athletes will get the rare chance to showcase their skills in front of a roaring home crowd, an energy that can push them to break barriers and set new records.

Beyond the medals and the competition, this championship marks a massive boost to the culture of para sports in India, bringing recognition, respect, and inspiration to athletes and fans alike.

World Para Athletics in New Delhi 2025

The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of courage, resilience, and world-class talent. With legends like Sumit Antil, Dharambir Nain, and Preethi Pal leading the way, India is ready to roar.

Mark your calendars: 27 September to 5 October 2025. It’s time to cheer loud and proud for our para champions!

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Sumit Antil Breaks Paralympic Record; Wins Gold

Sumit Antil becomes the first Indian man to successfully defend a Paralympic Gold 

Sumit Antil has won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F64 class at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,  becoming the first male Indian para-athlete to defend his title in the Paralympics. He achieved the feat with a new Paralympic record of 70.59m at the Stade de France. Sumit Antil won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

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Sumit Antil began with a new Paralympic record of 69.11m in his first attempt, which broke his own previous record of 68.55m. Sumit Antil then bettered it with the eventual winner of 70.59m on his second attempt, making it yet another record. His fifth attempt landed at 69.04m, again better than the Tokyo 2020 mark.

What is the F64 category?

The F64 category is designated for athletes with lower limb impairments, including those who compete with prosthetics or have differences in leg length.

Read full article on Team India At Paris 2024 Olympics