With just two days to go for the first-ever World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in India, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Raksha Khadse, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium on Tuesday to review final arrangements for the marquee event. The championships are expected to bring together top para-athletes from over 100 countries, reinforcing India’s position as a global hub for international sports.
During the inspection, Mandaviya and Khadse toured key areas of the stadium, including the Accreditation Centre, Medical Centre, warm-up tracks, and the newly-laid MONDO main track, which had been inaugurated by the Sports Minister on August 29, 2025. The track will host 73 Indian para-athletes competing for top honours, alongside world-class athletes from around the globe.
Speaking during the visit, Mandaviya said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a trusted destination for hosting major international sporting events. His belief that the world is one family – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – inspires us to bring athletes from across the globe together on Indian soil.”
He added, “With participation from over 100 nations, this is not only the biggest para-athletics event ever hosted by India, but also a reflection of our capability, rich culture, and commitment to sports as a unifying force. Our effort is to ensure that every para-athlete experiences world-class infrastructure and feels fully supported here at the World Para Athletics Championships.”
Para-athletes, including Paris Paralympics medallist Sharad Kumar, along with Simran Sharma and Preeti Pal, were seen practicing on the MONDO track. Officials from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), including President Devender Jhajharia, briefed the Ministers on the readiness of the Indian contingent.
The Ministers also inspected various facilities such as the gym, classification area, lounges, and medical centre, emphasizing that staff and volunteers ensure seamless arrangements for participants and officials.
The opening ceremony of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 is scheduled for September 25, marking a historic moment as India hosts this prestigious international sporting event for the first time.
