The Junior Age

Tag: viraaj mascot

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!

Get to know everything about Sports, Buy This All About Origin Of Sports Information Cards

And, stay updated with all the sports news!

Introducing Viraaj Mascot For 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

India is going to host the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships for the first time ever. The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will host more than 1700 athletes from over 100 countries. It is scheduled from September 27 to October 5, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. To celebrate this, India introduced the event’s official logo and mascot named Viraaj. Viraaj is a young elephant with a special blade prosthesis (an artificial leg). Viraaj represents strength, hope, and courage, showing how para-athletes overcome challenges and inspire others.

Get Know everything about Sports, Buy This Origins of Sports Flashcards

Subscribe To The Junior Age Click here.

The official logo of the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships is a fusion of movement, tradition, and identity. Designed in a circular format symbolising global inclusivity and motion, it features a para athlete in a racing wheelchair at its core — representing strength, speed and focus. Surrounding the athlete are iconic Indian cultural motifs: the peacock, the elephant, the sitar, and the wheel. At the centre stands the Lotus Temple – a symbol of New Delhi’s spirit and India’s hospitality.

Watch full video on What Do The Olympic Rings Stand For?