The stage is set for a historic moment in Indian sport as the World Para Athletics Championships arrive in New Delhi for the very first time.
From 27 September to 5 October, the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host over 2,200 athletes from 104 countries, battling across 184 medal events. For India, this is more than just a tournament it is a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the nation’s rising stature in global para sport.
With a record 73-member squad, including 35 debutants and 19 women, India will field its largest-ever contingent at the World Championships. Fresh off a record-breaking run at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (29 medals, including 17 in athletics) and a stunning 17-medal haul at the Kobe 2024 World Championships, India enters New Delhi 2025 with unprecedented momentum.
This will be the 12th edition of the Championships but the first on Indian soil, a milestone hailed by athletes, officials, and fans alike. For the host city, the event is both a logistical and symbolic triumph. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium last seen in the global spotlight during the 2010 Commonwealth Games has undergone a transformation. Its worn-out surface has been replaced by a striking two-toned blue Mondotrack, designed to provide a world-class experience to athletes and spectators.
According to Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics (WPA), the investment in facilities signals India’s intent to establish itself as a hub for international para sport. For the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), led by president Devendra Jhajharia, the Championships are also a platform to inspire the next generation of para athletes. Jhajharia has boldly predicted “20-plus medals”, an ambitious yet realistic goal given the current form of India’s para stars.
Carrying the tricolour at the Opening Ceremony will be two inspirational figures:
- Dharambir Nain – 2024 Paris Paralympics gold medallist in the men’s club throw F51, whose story of resilience and late-career resurgence has inspired countless young athletes.
- Preeti Pal – the 24-year-old sprinter who clinched two bronze medals at Paris 2024 and two more at the Kobe World Championships, now set to lead the Indian charge on the track.
Their selection reflects the balance in the squad seasoned champions guiding fresh faces into a once-in-a-lifetime home tournament.
Indian Stars to Watch
Sumit Antil – Men’s Javelin F64 : The poster boy of Indian para-athletics, Sumit Antil is already a legend at 25. With back-to-back Paralympic golds (Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024) and a world record of 73.29m, he is the undisputed favourite in New Delhi. Every throw of his has the potential to rewrite history, and the home crowd will roar him on as he aims for a third consecutive World title.
Praveen Kumar – Men’s High Jump T64: A Paralympic gold medallist at Paris 2024, Praveen Kumar thrives under pressure. His consistency in global competitions makes him one of the surest medal bets in the high jump, a discipline where India has historically excelled.
Navdeep Singh – Men’s Javelin F41: From heartbreak in Tokyo (4th place) to gold in Paris, Navdeep embodies perseverance. He also picked up Worlds bronze in 2024 and is now hungry for his first World Championship gold on home soil.
Preeti Pal – Women’s 100m & 200m T35: India’s sprint sensation, Preeti is targeting an upgrade from bronze to gold. Already a four-time international medallist in 2024, she will also carry the flag at the Opening Ceremony. Her electric starts and relentless energy make her a fan favourite.
Dharambir Nain – Men’s Club Throw F51: The reigning Paralympic champion, Dharambir has been chosen as flagbearer for his leadership qualities. His duel with compatriot Pranav Soorma will be a highlight of the Championships.
Yogesh Kathuniya – Men’s Discus Throw F56: A two-time Paralympic silver medallist (Tokyo & Paris) and consistent World medallist, Yogesh is eager to finally step up to the top of the podium. With the backing of the home crowd, he could turn silver into gold.
Deepthi Jeevanji -Women’s 400m T20: The first Indian woman to medal in her category at the Paralympics, Deepthi is already a world record holder (55.06s). At 25, she is one of the brightest young stars in global para sport and a serious gold-medal favourite.
Ekta Bhyan – Women’s Club Throw F51: An Asian Para Games medallist and disability rights advocate, Ekta is India’s best hope in the women’s club throw. She represents the perfect blend of sport and social change.
Simran Sharma – Women’s 100m & 200m T12: Training at the very venue hosting the Championships, Simran is literally competing on home turf. She is a World Champion (200m Kobe 2024) and a Paralympic bronze medallist, now aiming for another gold in Delhi.
India’s Medal Hopes Across Disciplines
- Track Events: India’s rise in track has been remarkable. In 2023, the team had no medals; by 2024, stars like Deepthi, Simran, and Preeti secured four medals, including two golds. Expect more podiums this year.
- Javelin Throw: India’s strongest discipline, led by Sumit Antil, Navdeep Singh, and veterans like Rinku, Ajeet Singh, and Sundar Singh Gurjar. Multiple podium finishes are expected here.
- High Jump: With Praveen Kumar, Nishad Kumar, and Varun Bhati, India could dominate across three categories.
- Throws (Club & Discus): Dharambir, Ekta Bhyan, Yogesh Kathuniya, and Sachin Khilari (two-time defending World champion in shot put) provide solid medal chances.
India’s Journey at the World Championships
India’s rise has been steady:
- 2015 Doha: 2 medals
- 2017 London: 5 medals
- 2019 Dubai: 9 medals
- 2023 Paris: 10 medals
- 2024 Kobe: 17 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, 6 bronze) – best-ever
From 2 medals a decade ago to 17 last year, the growth curve is extraordinary. With 73 athletes competing this year, PCI is confident of breaking the 20-medal mark.
For Indian para sport, New Delhi 2025 is more than just another tournament:
- Visibility: With Prasar Bharti broadcasting live on DD Sports and digital platforms, millions of Indians will witness para athletics at its best.
- Inspiration: Stories of athletes like Sumit Antil, who turned a road accident into Olympic glory, or Simran Sharma, who trains daily at JLN despite her visual impairment, will inspire a new generation.
- Legacy: The Championships will leave behind a world-class infrastructure and a culture of inclusivity in Indian sport.
As the countdown to September 27 begins, India stands at the cusp of history. From the thunderous roars of Sumit Antil’s javelin throws to the lightning speed of Deepthi and Simran on the track, from the high-flying Praveen Kumar to the power-packed Dharambir and Yogesh, the Championships promise to be a spectacle of human spirit and sporting excellence.
With a record squad, home support, and rising confidence, India is not just hosting the world it is ready to conquer it.
