India Shines at the Inaugural New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Grand Prix
New Delhi, March 14, 2025 – The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recently hosted the first-ever World Para Athletics Grand Prix in India, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s para-athletics journey. The three-day event, held from March 11 to 13, 2025, witnessed remarkable performances from athletes across the globe, with India emerging as a dominant force.
India’s Stellar Performance
Indian para-athletes showcased exceptional talent and determination, finishing atop the medal tally with a total of 134 medals: 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze. This outstanding achievement underscores India’s growing prominence in the realm of para-athletics.
Notable Highlights
• Preeti Pal’s Dual Triumphs: Preeti Pal added to India’s medal haul by securing a silver in the women’s 100m T35 event and a bronze in the 200m T35–T38 category.
• Rinku Hooda’s Gold in Javelin: Rinku Hooda clinched gold in the men’s javelin F46 category, further solidifying India’s prowess in javelin events.
• Podium Sweeps: Indian athletes achieved podium sweeps in several events, including the men’s shot put F11–F20 and women’s discus throw F56–F57 categories, highlighting the depth of talent in the country.
International Participation
The event attracted 283 athletes from 20 nations, including prominent para-athletes like Australia’s Vanessa Low, a three-time Paralympic champion, who secured gold in the women’s long jump T61 event. Brazilian athletes Joeferson Marinho de Oliveira and Bartolomeu Chaves, both Paris 2024 medallists, also delivered stellar performances, winning their respective events.
A Prelude to the World Championships
Serving as a test event, the Grand Prix set the stage for the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships scheduled at the same venue in September 2025. The successful execution of the Grand Prix has bolstered confidence in India’s capability to host events of such magnitude.
Looking Ahead
Following the New Delhi Grand Prix, the World Para Athletics circuit will move to Marrakech, Morocco, from April 24 to 26, 2025, continuing the series of competitions leading up to the World Championships.
The inaugural New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Grand Prix has not only highlighted the athletic excellence of para-athletes but also reinforced India’s commitment to promoting and supporting para-sports on the global stage.
