New Delhi: On a historic evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event brings together over 2,200 para athletes from 104 nations, making it the largest-ever para sports event held on Indian soil.
Celebrating Para Athletes Breaking Barriers
In his message, PM Modi hailed para athletes for breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, asserting their pivotal role in establishing India as a rising sporting and inclusive hub. He motivated millions to embrace sports as a way of life and reiterated sport’s unique ability to connect people beyond religion, region, or nationality.
India as Asia’s Fourth WPAC Host
India joins Qatar (2015), UAE (2019), and Japan (2024) as the fourth Asian nation to host the World Para Athletics Championships. Organised by the Paralympics Committee of India, the event features 186 medal events with 74 Indian athletes—the largest contingent ever.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Capacity Building
The competition is the first to be held on the newly-laid Mondo track at JLN Stadium, inaugurated earlier this year. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya officially declared the championships open, highlighting the progressive infrastructure including a warm-up track and multi-specialty gymnasium that can train more than 200 athletes simultaneously.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the event’s broader legacy—beyond medals—to include a transformed mindset supporting accessible venues, stronger support systems, and a renewed focus on equal sporting opportunities. The WPAC is also part of India’s wider ambitions to regularly host major multi-sport events including the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036.
India’s Para Sports Excellence
Indian athletes, including Paralympic medalists and world champions such as Sumit Antil, Preethi Pal, and Dharambir Nain, are competing on home ground with high hopes. India had record performances in recent championships, including 17 medals in Kobe 2024 and 10 medals in Paris 2023.
Prime Minister’s Tribute
PM Modi lauded the resilience and determination of para athletes worldwide, inspiring both sportspersons and common people alike. He celebrated their achievements, kindling a collective belief that no challenge is insurmountable.
Distinguished Attendees
The opening ceremony was attended by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Smt. Raksha Khadse, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, MP Kangana Ranaut, Education Minister Ashish Sood, and Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, among others.
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Source: PIB
