Jhajharia confident India will cross 20-medal mark at World Para Athletics c’ships

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia has backed the Indian para-athletics team to deliver a historic medal haul at the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships, predicting the contingent will cross the 20-medal mark.

India will host the Championships for the first time, with the event scheduled from September 27 to October 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. A record 73-member Indian squad, the largest-ever at a World Para Athletics Championships, is gearing up to compete on home soil.

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“We have 73 athletes in the squad, the largest-ever Indian contingent at a World Para Athletics Championships. This reflects the depth and progress of para-sport in our country. At the previous edition in Kobe, India won 17 medals. With a stronger team this time, I am confident we will surpass 20 medals and create history on home soil,” Jhajharia said.

“Every member of this squad, whether making their debut or returning as an experienced athlete, has overcome immense challenges to reach this stage. They carry the aspirations of a new generation, and I am certain their performances will inspire many more across the country to take up sport and dream without limits,” he added.

Highlighting the scale of the tournament, Jhajharia said: “This will be the largest para-sport event ever staged on Indian soil, with participation confirmed from 104 countries and more than 2,200 para-athletes and support staff. In keeping with this scale, the Indian contingent is one of the most iconic in World Championships history. While Haryana has traditionally been a powerhouse, this time we also have athletes from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and several other states, showcasing the true diversity of our nation.”

The Indian squad brings together proven champions and exciting debutants. Star javelin thrower and defending world champion Sumit Antil leads the charge alongside Paralympic medallists Praveen Kumar, Nishad Kumar, Simran Sharma, Preeti Pal, Navdeep, Dharambir Nain, and Pranav Soorma. Other key names include Rinku Hooda, who will be chasing gold after his silver at the 2023 Paris Worlds, and Ekta Bhyan, who will defend her Club Throw F51 title.

India will also field a record 35 debutants this year. Among them is Mahendra Gurjar, who recently made headlines by setting a world record with a 61.17m throw in the men’s F42 javelin at the Nottwil Grand Prix in Switzerland. Their inclusion reflects the depth, grit, and growing stature of Indian para-athletes on the global stage.

The 2025 Championships will feature 186 medal events, 15 more than the previous edition in Kobe—including 101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event.