India Hosts Para Athletics

Context:

India is hosting the 12th World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi from 27th September to 5th October for the first time, with participation from over 100 nations

Historic Milestone for India

First-time Host: India is hosting the Championships for the first time, showcasing its emergence as a global para-sport hub
Scale of Event: Over 1,000 athletes from 100+ countries, competing in 186 medal events, making it one of the largest para-sport gatherings
Upgraded Infrastructure: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium revamped with MONDO track and accessible facilities, symbolising inclusivity

India’s Para-Athletics Journey

Medal Progression: From 2 silvers at Doha 2015 to 17 medals (6 golds) at Kobe 2024
Paralympic Achievements: India secured 84 medals at Paris 2024 Paralympics, including 17 in para-athletics
Key Athletes: Names like Sumit (javelin), Preeti Pal (sprints), Praveen Kumar (high jump) carry India’s medal hopes

Evolution of Para Athletics Globally

Historical Origins: Traced back to Stoke Mandeville Games (1950s) for WWII veterans
Formal Recognition: Debuted at Rome 1960 Paralympics with 25 events. Expanded further with wheelchair racing (1964 Tokyo) and inclusion of visually impaired & amputee athletes by the 1970s
Institutionalisation: Governed today by World Para Athletics under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), headquartered in Bonn, Germany

Social and Policy Dimensions

Symbol of Inclusion: Promotes accessibility, disability rights, and integration of para-sports in mainstream conversations
Policy Support: Growth aided by the Paralympic Committee of India, government funding, and targeted schemes.
Public Awareness: Hosting the event acts as a catalyst for sensitising society toward para-sports and disability inclusion.