SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being
Institutions: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports | Paralympic Committee of India
India will host the 12th World Para Athletics Championships 2025 from 27 September to 5 October at New Delhi. Over 70 Indian athletes will compete among participants from 100+ nations in 186 medal events. India’s rise in Para Athletics is reflected in its performance trajectory: from 2 silver medals in 2015 to 17 medals at Kobe 2024, showcasing growing competitiveness. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been upgraded to meet international standards (new MONDO track, accessible infrastructure) to facilitate a world-class event.
Hosting this championship is more than sporting prestige; it’s an attempt to show India’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and disability rights in public infrastructure. It can accelerate investment in paralympic training ecosystems, accessible stadiums, and parasport grassroots promotion. Moreover, success on home soil could boost visibility and inspiration for persons with disabilities, aligning with India’s rights-based approach under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and global goals of inclusive development.
What is a Para Athletics Championship? → A global competition in track & field for athletes with physical, visual, or intellectual impairments. It provides a high-performance platform analogous to the Olympics/World Athletics but for para-athletes.
What is MONDO track? → A high-performance synthetic surface used in elite athletics venues. It matters because it provides consistency, durability, and supports fast, safe running, benefiting all athletes including those with mobility disabilities.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Could New Delhi 2025 serve as a catalyst to institutionalise para-sport training pipelines and inclusive stadium standards across Indian cities?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2171890