New Delhi is set to host the Para Athletics World Championships from 26 September to 5 October 2025 at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This marks the first time India will host the prestigious event, recognized as the largest single Para sport event in the world.
The decision by World Para Athletics (WPA) positions India as a pivotal player in the global Para sports movement, promising an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate athletic excellence and promote inclusivity.
The event in 2025 will be the 12th edition of the Para Athletics World Championships, with New Delhi being only the fourth Asian city to host it, following Doha (2015), Dubai (2019), and Kobe (2024). This remarkable step underscores India’s growing influence in Para sports and its commitment to fostering inclusivity on a global scale.
In addition to the Championships, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will also host a World Para Athletics Grand Prix for the first time next year, from 11 to 13 March 2024. This event will offer fans an early glimpse of the excitement and talent that Para athletics brings, setting the stage for the grandeur of 2025.
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Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, highlighted the significance of this development, saying, “The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships will be the largest international Para sport event ever to take place in India. It represents a massive opportunity to grow our sport, expand our fan base, and influence societal perceptions of persons with disabilities in the world’s most populous nation.“
India’s journey in Para athletics over the last decade has been remarkable. From winning just two silver medals at the Doha 2015 World Championships to securing 17 medals, including six gold, at the 2024 edition in Kobe, the nation’s progress reflects sustained investment and growing interest in the sport.
The National Paralympic Committee of India (NPC India) lauded the announcement, stating, “Hosting the Para Athletics World Championships for the first time is a significant milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global sporting powerhouse. This event not only elevates India’s standing in the global sports arena but also strengthens our bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.“
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With over 60 million persons with disabilities in India, this event serves as a crucial platform for fostering inclusivity and empowerment. It is a step forward in expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities and making Para sports more visible and accessible across the country.
NPC India’s statement further emphasized that this championship aligns with the vision of a “New India,” championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes while accelerating the Paralympic movement in the country.
The scale of the 2025 Championships promises to be extraordinary. The 2024 edition in Kobe, Japan, saw participation from over 1,000 athletes representing more than 100 nations. India’s historic performance in Kobe placed it in the top six on the medals table for the first time, marking a new era for Indian Para sports.
China led the 2024 edition with an impressive haul of 33 gold medals and 87 podium finishes, and India will look to build on its strong foundation in 2025.
The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. For India, it is an opportunity to showcase its growing capabilities in organizing international sporting events while inspiring millions to reimagine the potential of Para sports.