Delhi [India], September 16, 2025: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia has expressed his confidence in the Indian contingent, saying that they will bring home more than 20 medals at the World Para Athletics Championships.
India is set to make sporting history as it hosts its biggest-ever para-sporting event — the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 — at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from September 27 to October 5.
With participation confirmed from 104 countries and over 2,200 para-athletes and support staff, this edition will be the largest para-sport event ever staged on Indian soil. The host nation will field a record 73-member contingent, showcasing the growing strength and depth of para-sport in India.
Expressing confidence in Team India’s prospects, Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia said:
“We have 73 athletes in the squad, the largest-ever Indian contingent at a World Para Athletics Championships. This reflects the progress of para-sport in our country. At the previous edition in Kobe, we won 17 medals. With a stronger team this time, I am confident we will surpass 20 medals and create history on home soil.”
Jhajharia added that the squad’s composition reflects the diversity of Indian sport:
“While Haryana continues to be a powerhouse, we also have athletes from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and several other states, representing the true spirit of India.”
The Indian team is a perfect blend of seasoned champions and promising debutants. Leading the charge is Sumit Antil, two-time Paralympic gold medallist and defending world champion in javelin throw. Other star performers include Praveen Kumar, Nishad Kumar, Simran Sharma, Preeti Pal, Navdeep, Dharambir Nain, and Pranav Soorma.
Among the key medal prospects:
- Rinku Hooda, who will look to upgrade his 2023 Paris World Championships silver to gold.
- Ekta Bhyan, who will defend her Club Throw F51 gold.
- Mahendra Gurjar, making his debut after setting a world record (61.17m, F42 javelin) at the Nottwil Grand Prix earlier this year.
This year’s Indian contingent also includes 35 debutants, highlighting the depth and future of Indian para-sport.
The 2025 Championships will feature 186 medal events — 101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event — 15 more than the previous edition, ensuring wider participation and more opportunities for glory.
Bringing the excitement to fans across the country, Prasar Bharati has been named the Official Broadcast Partner, promising live coverage of India’s para-athletic heroes in action.
This landmark edition is set to be a defining moment for Indian sport, celebrating the resilience, talent, and spirit of India’s para-athletes and inspiring the next generation to dream without limits.
Leave a Reply