India Hosts IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships
Date: September 25, 2025
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
On a historic day for Indian sports, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya officially declared the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) open. Team India will be represented by a record 74 athletes in the biggest-ever para sports event on Indian soil. The competition features more than 2,200 participants from 104 nations and will conclude on October 5.
PM Modi’s Special Message
“By breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, para athletes have played a vital role in strengthening India’s identity as a rising sporting hub, motivating millions to embrace sports as a way of life.” — Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Modi emphasized that sport is a unifying force, transcending religion, region, and nationality. He said hosting WPAC reiterates India’s position as a “sporting and inclusive” nation.
Global Participation
India has become the fourth Asian nation to host WPAC, after Qatar (2015), UAE (2019), and Japan (2024). The championships are organized by the Paralympics Committee of India and will see 186 gold medals up for grabs.
Colourful Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was attended by dignitaries including:
- Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
- Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse
- Chief Minister of Delhi, Srimati Rekha Gupta
- Member of Parliament, Srimati Kangana Ranaut
- Education Minister of Delhi, Shri Ashish Sood
- Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics
New Sports Infrastructure
The WPAC 2025 is the first event to be held on the newly-laid Mondo track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The blue track, previously used at the Paris Paralympics 2024, was inaugurated by Dr Mandaviya on National Sports Day, August 29.
On the same day, he also inaugurated a Mondo warm-up track and a multi-specialty gymnasium where more than 200 athletes can train simultaneously.
“For India, this world para athletics championships are about pride, progress, and purpose. We have assembled our largest-ever para contingent of 74 athletes, a testament to how deeply para-sports have taken root in the country.” — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
International Perspective
“Spectators inside the stadium and a global audience around the world will experience the brilliance of the athletes competing in newly renovated facilities designed to maximise their skill, speed and strength. Yes, world records will be broken. Yes, world champions will be crowned. But not every athlete will achieve their dream of being on the podium.” — Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics
India’s Sporting Ambitions
“We are deep into planning for the Commonwealth Games 2030, and we have our eyes set on hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 with ambitions that will accelerate infrastructure, opportunity, and the sporting dreams of countless youth.” — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
He added that beyond infrastructure, the deeper legacy will be accessible venues, stronger support systems for para-athletes, and a national conversation around equal opportunity in sport. (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports)
India’s Rising Para Sports Success
India’s para-athletes have delivered record-breaking performances in recent championships:
- Kobe 2024 WPAC: 17 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, 6 bronze), finishing 6th overall.
- Paris 2023 WPAC: 10 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze).
“The remarkable performances of para athletes have redefined the meaning of resilience and determination, inspiring both sportspersons and common people across the world. Their achievements have ignited a collective belief that no challenge is surmountable.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi