The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 officially commenced in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, September 27, marking a historic moment as the nation hosts the prestigious event for the first time. The opening day saw remarkable performances from Indian athletes, with Shailesh Kumar clinching a gold medal and Deepthi Jeevanji securing a silver.
Historic Hosting and Grand Scale
The 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships, also known as the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, is set to run until October 5, 2025. Held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the event is the largest Para sport gathering ever hosted in India. Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 nations are participating, competing across 186 medal events. The stadium has been equipped with a new MONDO track to meet international standards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to all participants, stating, 'India is proud to be hosting the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in Delhi, which commences today. A warm welcome and best wishes to all participants. This tournament celebrates human determination and spirit. May this tournament inspire a more inclusive and vibrant sporting culture across the world.' India's hosting of this event is seen as a significant step towards its long-term ambition of bidding for the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics.
Indian Athletes Shine on Opening Day
The host nation celebrated its first medal on the opening day with Shailesh Kumar's stellar performance. The 25-year-old para-athlete secured the gold medal in the men's high jump T63 class. Kumar cleared a height of 1.91m, establishing a new Championship and Asian record. His victory came ahead of USA's Paralympic champion Ezra Frech, who took silver, and fellow Indian Varun Singh Bhati, who earned the bronze. Shailesh Kumar, who lost his right leg to polio at the age of five, expressed his happiness, noting that 'The target was always to win gold. I am happy with my performance and hoping for a better show in the next championship.'
Adding to India's medal tally, Deepthi Jeevanji clinched a silver medal in the women's 400m T20 class. The 22-year-old athlete from Telangana recorded a season-best time of 55.16 seconds. The gold in this event was won by Turkiye's Aysel Onder, who set a new world record with a time of 54.51 seconds, while Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar secured the bronze. Jeevanji, an intellectually impaired athlete, had previously won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Event Details and Future Aspirations
The championships feature a diverse program with 186 medal events, including 101 men's, 84 women's, and one mixed event. The official mascot for the 2025 edition, unveiled on June 20, 2025, is Viraaj, a spirited young elephant with a blade prosthesis, symbolizing strength, optimism, and resilience. India has fielded a 73-member squad, comprising 54 men and 19 women, aiming to surpass its previous medal tallies. The event is a crucial qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, highlighting India's growing commitment to accessibility and sporting excellence.
8 Comments
Mariposa
The opening day's success is commendable, showing India's capability to host large-scale events. Still, I hope the focus remains on the athletes' welfare and not just the medal tally or political aspirations.
Muchacha
So proud of India! What an incredible start to the championships!
Bella Ciao
All this fanfare, but will the average disabled person see any real benefit?
Bermudez
This championship showcases India's growing commitment to inclusive sports. Fantastic!
lettlelenok
The inspiring performances by Shailesh and Deepthi highlight their incredible talent. Yet, the article doesn't detail how these athletes are supported day-to-day outside of major events.
ytkonos
Is this just a massive PR push for the 2036 Olympic bid, or real change?
dedus mopedus
Shailesh and Deepthi are absolute champions! Gold and silver on day one is phenomenal.
Aidguy
Historic moment for India hosting this event. Truly inspiring!