Para Athletics Dominance Begins With Record-Breaking Gold for India
Para Athletics took center stage as India delivered a powerful performance on Day 1 of the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, winning three medals including a historic gold. Shailesh Kumar stunned reigning Paralympic champion Ezra Frech to secure India’s first gold medal in the men’s T42-T63 high jump, clearing a championship-record 1.91m. Varun Singh Bhati added a bronze with a best jump of 1.85m, while teammate Rahul finished fourth with a personal best of 1.78m, underlining India’s growing depth in para sports.
The T42 classification includes athletes with single above-the-knee amputations or similar impairments, while T63 features athletes with single limb deficiencies above or through the knee. Both categories were combined for this event, showcasing exceptional talent and determination from Indian para-athletes on home soil.
Para Athletics Sees More Glory With Silver in Women’s 400m
The medal rush in Para Athletics continued in the women’s 400m T20 final, where defending champion Deepthi Jeevanji earned a silver medal with a season-best time of 55.16 seconds. The event, reserved for athletes with intellectual disabilities, was won by Turkey’s Aysel Onder, who broke her own world record with a time of 54.51 seconds. The Turkish sprinter had previously finished second behind Deepthi in 2024, making this victory a significant comeback.
India’s performance on the track and field highlighted not just podium finishes but also the competitive spirit and rising standards of para sport in the country. With every major event, Indian athletes are pushing boundaries and challenging global leaders.
Para Athletics Momentum Inspires Success in Para Archery
India’s strong start in Para Athletics inspired a medal storm in para archery too, with five medals including two gold on a single day. Eighteen-year-old Sheetal Devi created history by defeating world No. 1 Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 to win the women’s compound individual gold. Shooting with her feet and chin, Sheetal showcased extraordinary skill and composure to clinch her maiden world title.
In the men’s category, Toman Kumar was crowned champion after Rakesh Kumar withdrew due to a technical glitch during the final. This remarkable achievement made it a double gold day for India in para archery, underlining the nation’s growing dominance across para sports disciplines.
Para Athletics Success Adds to India’s Overall Sporting Triumphs
While Para Athletics headlines stole the spotlight, Indian athletes shone across multiple disciplines. The national football team clinched their seventh SAFF U17 Championship title, defeating Bangladesh 4-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout. In kabaddi, Tamil Thalaivas ended their losing streak with a decisive win over Jaipur Pink Panthers, while Bengal Warriorz edged past Patna Pirates.
In athletics, Railways athletes dominated the opening day of the National Open Championships, with Bhairabi Roy winning triple jump gold and Manikanta Hoblidhar equalling his own 100m record. Indian shooters also excelled at the ISSF Junior World Cup, where Rashmika Sahgal and Kapil claimed gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, and Raiza Dhillon added a silver in women’s skeet. Also Read: Check Fatty Liver at Home With These 5 Early Warning Signs, Say Experts
Para Athletics Success Signals a New Era for Indian Sports
The achievements in Para Athletics and other disciplines reflect the tremendous growth of India’s sporting ecosystem. From record-breaking jumps to historic firsts in archery, Indian para-athletes are proving their capability on the global stage. Their success is not just about medals it symbolizes resilience, progress, and the power of inclusive sports.
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Conclusion
Para Athletics at the 2025 World Championships has set a powerful tone for India’s para-sport future. With a record-breaking gold, multiple podium finishes, and inspirational performances across events, the nation is entering a new era of sporting excellence. As India’s para-athletes continue to rise, their victories will serve as a beacon of hope, proving that determination and perseverance can break every barrier.
