India makes history as New Delhi set to host 2025 Para Athletics World Championships

NEW DELHI: New Delhi has been chosen to host the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships, as announced by the World Para Athletics (WPA). This event, scheduled from September 26 to October 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marks the first time India will host such a prestigious global Para sport event. Additionally, the venue will also welcome the World Para Athletics Grand Prix from March 11-13. The 2025 championships, being the 12th edition, will see Asia hosting for the fourth time, expecting participation from over 1,000 athletes across more than 100 countries. This event is particularly significant as it precedes the Los Angeles Paralympic Games 2028, highlighting its importance in the international Para sports calendar.Paul Fitzgerald, head of World Para Athletics, emphasized the championships' potential to significantly impact the growth of Para sports, increase its fan base, and positively influence societal perceptions of persons with disabilities, especially in a populous nation like India. India's recent performance in Para athletics, notably winning 17 medals at the 2023 World Championships in Kobe, underscores the country's growing stature in the sport.The National Paralympic Committee of India views the hosting of the championships as a crucial step in promoting the Paralympic movement domestically, aiming to foster inclusivity and empower athletes with disabilities. This event is also seen as a catalyst for India's ambition to host future global sporting events, including the 2029 World Athletics Championships and potentially the 2036 Olympics, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe acknowledging India's interest in these bids.