Delhi to Host 2025 Para Athletics World Championships

India is set to host the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships, marking a historic moment for the country as it becomes the first time this prestigious event will be held in India. The competition is scheduled to take place between September 26 and October 5, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. This event will be the 12th edition of the Para Athletics World Championships and the fourth time it is being held in Asia. More than 1,000 athletes from over 100 nations are expected to participate in this landmark event, which will also serve as a critical qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

Key Points

Event Dates

• The championships will be held from September 26 to October 5, 2025.

Venue

• The event will take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, which will also host the World Para Athletics Grand Prix from March 11-13, 2025.

Participation

• Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete.

Significance

• The event will be the largest international Para sports event ever hosted in India, showcasing the country’s growing role in Para sports and promoting inclusivity.
• India’s Achievements in Para Athletics: India secured 17 medals, including six golds, at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, reflecting the country’s progress in this field.

Legacy and Impact

• The event is expected to leave a lasting legacy in India by increasing the visibility of Para sports, promoting inclusivity, and empowering athletes with disabilities.

India’s Bid for Future Events

• The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships is seen as a key step in India’s strategy to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and its broader ambitions to bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Significance for India

• This event will significantly elevate India’s position on the global sports map, particularly in the field of Para athletics.
• Hosting the championship is expected to inspire further growth in Para sports in India and accelerate the Paralympic movement in the country.
• It will also provide an opportunity for over 60 million persons with disabilities in India to feel represented and empowered.

Quotes

• Paul Fitzgerald, head of World Para Athletics: “The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships will be the largest international Para sport event ever to take place in India, representing a massive opportunity to grow our sport, our fan base, and to impact society’s perception of persons with disabilities.”
• NPC India: “This prestigious championship will not only elevate India’s position on the global sports map but also play a pivotal role in accelerating the Paralympic movement within the country.”