New Delhi, September 27, 2025 – The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi erupted with pride and excitement as India kicked off the 12th World Para Athletics Championships 2025 with a stellar performance on Day 1. Hosting this prestigious event for the first time, India welcomed over 1,000 athletes from 100+ countries, showcasing the spirit of resilience, determination, and sporting excellence. The newly laid Mondo track and the vibrant energy of the home crowd set the stage for a historic day in Indian para-sports.
India Shines with Gold, Silver, and Bronze
The Indian contingent, comprising 73 athletes, made an unforgettable mark on the opening day. The highlight was Shailesh Kumar’s sensational performance in the Men’s T42/64 High Jump Final, where he soared to a championship record height of 1.91m to clinch India’s first gold medal. The crowd roared as Shailesh, a beacon of grit, celebrated his triumph. In the same event, compatriot Varun Bhati secured a bronze medal with a commendable jump of 1.85m, adding to India’s early success.
Not to be outdone, Deepthi Jeevanji sprinted her way to a silver medal in the Women’s 400m T20 Final, clocking a season’s best time of 55.16 seconds. Despite a fierce challenge from Turkey’s Aysel Onder, who set a new world record at 54.51 seconds, Deepthi’s performance was a testament to her growing prowess on the global stage. Her silver, combined with Shailesh and Varun’s medals, placed India an impressive 4th in the medal tally at the end of Day 1.
However, the day wasn’t without its challenges. In the Men’s T37 Shot Put Final, India’s Manu started with a throw of 12.69m, placing him 9th out of 11 competitors after the first round, but he couldn’t climb higher in the rankings. Despite the setback, the Indian team’s overall performance kept spirits high.
A Grand Stage for Global Stars
The championships, organized by World Para Athletics under the International Paralympic Committee, featured 186 medal events, 15 more than the previous edition in Kobe, Japan. Day 1 saw electrifying action across track and field events, including the 100m, 400m, 800m heats and finals, as well as shot put, long jump, and high jump competitions.
International stars also lit up the arena. Germany’s Markus Rehm, known as the “Blade Jumper,” and Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner, a five-time Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medalist, were among the athletes to watch, setting the tone for intense competition over the nine-day event.
A Historic Moment for India
The opening day wasn’t just about medals; it was a celebration of India’s growing stature in para-sports. The grand opening ceremony on September 25, filled with vibrant cultural performances, set a festive tone. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, buzzed with energy as fans cheered for their home heroes and global champions alike.
“This is a proud moment for India,” said Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics. “The work done on the stadium and the enthusiasm of the crowd make this a fantastic show for athletes and fans.”
How to Follow the Action
Fans can catch all the action live and free on the Paralympics YouTube channel, with daily highlights and results available on the official World Para Athletics website. For those in New Delhi, tickets are available through the International Paralympic Committee’s official website, with limited VIP passes offering exclusive hospitality experiences.
Looking Ahead
With eight more days of competition, India’s para-athletes, including stars like Sumit Antil, the reigning Paralympic javelin F64 champion, and Mahendra Gurjar, a world record holder in javelin F42, are poised to add to the medal haul. The championships, running until October 5, promise more thrills, records, and inspiring stories of courage.
As the sun set on Day 1, India’s golden start sent a clear message: the hosts are here to compete, inspire, and make history. Stay tuned for more updates from the World Para Athletics Championships 2025!