Signalling a new high for Indian para sports, as many as 35 athletes will make their World Para Athletics Championships debut when the event kicks off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital, from September 27 to October 5.
Among them is Mahendra Gurjar, who created history earlier this year with a world-record throw of 61.17m in the men’s F42 javelin at the Nottwil Grand Prix in Switzerland. Currently training in Patiala, Gurjar is focused on carrying his form into his maiden World Championships.
“This championship isn’t just about medals, it’s about showing the world the spirit and ability of Indian para athletes. I hope our performances encourage more youngsters, especially girls, to chase their sporting dreams,” said Mahendra, who will compete in the Javelin F44 category.
The debut list features several promising names, including Atul Kaushik (Discus F57), Praveen (Shot Put F46), Haney (Discus F37), Mit Bharatbhai Patel (Long Jump T44), Manjeet (Javelin F13), Vishu (Long Jump T12), Pushpendra Singh (Javelin F44), Ajay Singh (Long Jump T47), Shubham Juyal (Shot Put F57), Birbhadra Singh (Discus F57), Dayawanti (Women’s 400m T20), Amisha Rawat (Women’s Shot Put F46), Anandhi Kulanthaisamy (Club Throw F32), and Suchitra Parida (Women’s Javelin F56).
For many, competing on home soil adds to the excitement. “To compete at this level, in front of a home crowd, is something I’ve dreamed about since I first started training. I’m grateful for the opportunity and determined to make India proud,” said Mit Bharatbhai Patel, who will feature in the men’s long jump T44.
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president Devendra Jhajharia underlined the significance of this milestone.
“Never before have so many Indian athletes made their World Championships debut in a single edition. Each debutant has overcome tremendous odds to reach this stage, embodying the hopes of a new generation. We believe these athletes will inspire countless others across the country to take up sport and dream big.”
The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will be India’s biggest-ever para sporting event, bringing together over 2,200 athletes and support staff from more than 104 countries to compete across 186 medal events.