Delhi authorities are ramping up preparations for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championship with hands-on mock drills at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Teams from Delhi Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and Centralised Accident & Trauma Services (CATS) tested their readiness for fire safety, bomb threats, accident response, and crowd control.
The championship kicks off with an opening ceremony on September 25, followed by competitions from September 27 to October 5. It’s India’s first time hosting this major event for para-athletes, and organizers want everything to run smoothly and inclusively.
Dr. Sarath Chandra Yadav, the stadium’s administrator, highlighted the upgrades. “We’ve built special ramps for easy access and made washrooms fully accessible for para-athletes,” he said. The drills covered bomb squad sweeps, fire safety exercises, and even chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) scenarios. “With DDMA, NDRF, Delhi Police, Delhi Civil Defence, and CATS all involved, we’re set to create a safe space for everyone,” Yadav added confidently.
Security takes center stage too. Additional DCP Sumit Jha from the South West District announced that over 1,000 Delhi Police officers will guard the event. They’ll cover the main venue at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, plus training spots at Thyagaraj Stadium and the Commonwealth Games Village Complex. “Our teams start at the airport, follow athletes to hotels and hospitals, and handle transport security,” Jha explained. Officers work in shifts to keep watch round-the-clock, with extra protection for the opening day. Today’s mock drill helped fine-tune it all for the full event period.
To make sure everyone treats para-athletes right, the Paralympic Committee of India ran a sensitization workshop for Delhi Police and volunteers. They covered key do’s and don’ts, para-friendly tips, and proper athlete interactions. More than 300 volunteers learned how to foster a welcoming, barrier-free vibe for competitors and fans alike. Police got guidance on ensuring smooth access for all.
Bhupinder Singh, project head at Svayam, praised the effort: “Sensitizing over 300 volunteers today will help build an athlete-friendly setup and boost the overall experience at the championships.”
These steps show India’s commitment to top-notch inclusivity and accessibility as it hosts the World Para Athletics Championship for the first time.
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