India Launches Logo and Mascot ‘Viraaj’ for 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

With exactly 100 days to go, India unveiled the official logo and mascot of the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships at an event in New Delhi on June 20, 2025. This marks a significant moment as India is hosting the prestigious global para athletics event for the first time, to be held from September 27 to October 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The mascot, Viraaj, is a young elephant equipped with a blade prosthesis, symbolizing strength, resilience, and inclusive sports.

Why in News?

India is preparing to host the World Para Athletics Championships for the first time, with the 100-day countdown kicking off through the launch of the event’s logo and mascot. With over 100 countries expected to participate in the 12th edition, the announcement by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) highlights the nation’s commitment to inclusive sporting excellence and world-class event hosting.

Event Details

• Event: 2025 World Para Athletics Championships
• Edition: 12th
• Dates: September 27 to October 5, 2025
• Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
• Host Nation: India (for the first time)
• Medal Events: 186
• Participating Nations: Over 100 countries expected

Mascot & Logo Launch

• Mascot Name: Viraaj
• Representation: A young elephant with a blade prosthesis, symbolizing strength, hope, and the spirit of para-athletes
• Unveiled by: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
• Logo Theme: Not explicitly described in the release but likely tied to inclusivity, resilience, and Indian culture

Preparations & Venue Status

• Track Relaying: Athletics track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is being relaid
• Deadline for Completion: One month before the event begins
• PCI Oversight: PCI president confirmed preparations are on schedule

Significance of Hosting

• India’s First Time hosting this prestigious para athletics event
• Showcases India’s commitment to accessible and inclusive sports
• Opportunity to boost India’s global sporting profile and promote para-athletes
• Could inspire infrastructural and social improvements for persons with disabilities

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	World Para Athletics Championships Logo and Mascot Unveiled
Host Country	India (for the first time)
Venue	Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Mascot	Viraaj – Elephant with blade prosthesis
Total Events	186 medal events
Participating Nations Over	100
Track Preparation	Athletics track being relaid, to be ready a month in advance