India is gearing up for its biggest para-sports spectacle yet—the World Para Athletics Championships—from September 27 to October 5 at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia is buzzing with excitement, predicting that the Indian contingent will bag more than 20 medals and make history on home turf.
With a massive 73-member squad—the largest ever for India at this event—Jhajharia highlighted the growing strength of para-athletics in the country. “In the last edition in Kobe, we won 17 medals,” he said. “This time, with a stronger team, I’m confident we’ll cross 20 and shine bright.” He praised the athletes for overcoming huge hurdles, whether they’re debutants or veterans, and said their stories will motivate a new wave of youngsters to chase dreams in sports without limits.
This championships marks a milestone as India hosts the event for the first time, drawing over 2,200 para-athletes and staff from 104 countries. It’s the biggest para-sporting event ever on Indian soil, with an expanded lineup of 186 medal events—15 more than before—including 101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed category. Jhajharia pointed out the squad’s diversity, with stars not just from powerhouse Haryana but also from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and beyond, reflecting India’s vibrant talent pool.
Leading the charge is javelin sensation Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist and defending world champion. The team boasts other big names like Praveen Kumar, Nishad Kumar, Simran Sharma, Preeti Pal, Navdeep, Dharambir Nain, and Pranav Soorma. Veterans such as Rinku Hooda, who snagged silver at the 2023 Paris World Championships, aim to upgrade to gold, while Ekta Bhyan defends her title in the Club Throw F51 event.
Adding fresh energy are 35 debutants, including Mahendra Gurjar, who smashed a world record with a 61.17m throw in the men’s F42 javelin at the Nottwil Grand Prix in Switzerland this year. These athletes showcase India’s rising dominance in para-athletics, blending grit, skill, and determination on the global stage.
The event promises to inspire millions, celebrating the resilience of Indian para-athletes. Prasar Bharati steps in as the official broadcast partner, ensuring live coverage reaches homes across the nation. Get ready for an unforgettable showcase of talent and triumph!
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