New Delhi, September 25, 2025:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special message, said hosting the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) reaffirms India’s identity as a sporting and inclusive nation. The grand opening ceremony was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday evening, marking a historic moment for Indian sports.
Welcoming over 2,200 athletes from 100 countries, PM Modi praised para athletes for “breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks,” and for inspiring a sporting culture across India.
India becomes the fourth Asian country to host WPAC, following Qatar, UAE, and Japan. The event is organized by the Paralympic Committee of India.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Smt. Raksha Khadse, Delhi CM Srimati Rekha Gupta, MP Srimati Kangana Ranaut, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, and World Para Athletics head Paul Fitzgerald.
Dr. Mandaviya declared WPAC 2025 officially open and emphasized India’s growing stature in para sports. “This championship is about pride, progress, and purpose,” he said, highlighting India’s largest-ever para contingent of 74 athletes, including champions like Sumit Antil and Deepthi Jeevanji.
The event will be the first to take place on the newly-laid blue Mondo track, identical to the one used at Paris Paralympics 2024. Dr. Mandaviya also inaugurated a warm-up track and a multi-specialty gymnasium designed to support over 200 athletes simultaneously.
WPAC 2025 features 186 gold medals, with competitions starting September 27. Mr. Fitzgerald noted, “World records will be broken, champions will be made, and every emotion of sport will be on display.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Mandaviya confirmed India’s intent to host more global events, including bids for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of sport as a tool for peace, progress, and wellness.
“Beyond medals and infrastructure,” Dr. Mandaviya added, “WPAC 2025 will leave a lasting legacy in capacity building, accessibility, and equal opportunity in sports.”
India’s strong performance in recent editions — including 17 medals in Kobe 2024 and 10 in Paris 2023 — sets the stage for a historic home campaign.
PM Modi concluded: “The achievements of our para athletes redefine resilience and determination, proving that no challenge is insurmountable.”
