India Announces Squad for World Para Athletics 2025
New Delhi— India has unveiled a strong and diverse contingent of para-athletes set to compete in the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, scheduled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, from September 27 to October 5.
The announcement reflects India’s growing stature in global para sports. With a mix of seasoned champions and fresh talent, the squad aims to deliver its best-ever performance on home soil.
Star Athletes to Lead the Charge
The team will be spearheaded by Sumit Antil, India’s two-time Paralympic gold medalist in javelin throw. Antil, who has consistently raised India’s profile in para athletics, is expected to be a key medal contender once again.
Other notable names include Praveen Kumar and Nishad Kumar, both celebrated for their achievements in high jump, along with Hokato, Simran Sharma, Navdeep, Pranav Soorma, and sprinter Preeti Pal, who already holds two Paralympic bronze medals.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) also announced that Dharambir Nain, a Paralympic gold medalist, and Preeti Pal have been chosen as flag bearers for the opening ceremony. This symbolic honour recognises their consistency, resilience, and leadership within the para sports community.
Nationwide Representation Highlights Growth
The qualifiers for the New Delhi event come from a wide geographic spread, showing the expansion of para athletics infrastructure and opportunities across India.
- Haryana leads the tally with 31 athletes.
- Uttar Pradesh follows with 12.
- Gujarat has 5 qualifiers.
- Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand each have 4.
- Tamil Nadu fields 3 athletes.
- Telangana contributes 2.
- Several other states, including Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Nagaland, Delhi, Punjab, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, each have one representative.
This distribution reflects the success of local training academies, state government initiatives, and grassroots development programs. It also demonstrates how para athletics is no longer confined to a few centres but is thriving across India.
India’s Biggest-Ever Para Sporting Event
The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships is poised to be India’s largest para sporting event to date, featuring over 2,200 athletes and support staff from more than 104 countries. The tournament will host 186 medal events, providing India’s para-athletes a golden chance to compete at the highest level in front of a home crowd.
Officials expect a surge of spectators, volunteers, and media coverage, making the event a landmark in India’s sporting calendar. It will not only boost awareness about para sports but also inspire young athletes with disabilities to pursue professional careers in athletics.
Government and PCI Support Crucial
The Indian government, along with the Paralympic Committee of India, has stepped up efforts to provide athletes with world-class facilities. Training camps, physiotherapy support, sports science teams, and international exposure have all been part of preparations.
“The 2025 Championships will showcase not only the strength of our para-athletes but also the commitment of the nation towards inclusivity in sports,” a PCI spokesperson said.
Athletes have also received support from corporate sponsors and sports federations, ensuring financial backing and infrastructure improvements ahead of the event.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
With top names like Sumit Antil, Dharambir Nain, and Preeti Pal leading the squad, hopes are high for India to secure multiple podium finishes. Experts believe hosting the event could prove transformative for para sports in the country.
Moreover, the Championships are expected to leave a lasting legacy, including better stadium infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and stronger visibility for athletes with disabilities.
For now, all eyes are on September 27, when India’s flag bearers will march into Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking the beginning of a historic chapter in Indian para athletics.