27/09/2025
Dr. R.B. Biswakarma, the Additional Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs Government of Sikkim, is representing the state at the World Para Athletics Championship 2025, which commenced at the Jawaharalal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on September 25, 2025.
The vibrant opening ceremony was attended by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Srimati Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Srimati Kangana Ranaut, the Hon’ble Education Minister of Delhi, Shri Ashish Sood, and Mr. Paul Fitzgerald, the Head of World Para Athletics.
In a special message welcoming approximately 2,200 participants from 100 countries, PM Modi stated, “By breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, para athletes have played a vital role in strengthening India’s identity as a rising sporting hub, motivating millions to embrace sports as a way of life.”
The WPAC 2025 marks the first significant event to take place on the newly installed Mondo track at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This track, adorned in shades of blue and resembling the one utilized at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, was inaugurated by Dr. Mandaviya on August 29, which is recognized as National Sports Day.
“For India, this World Para Athletics Championships signifies pride, progress, and purpose,” remarked Dr. Mandaviya, who officially opened the WPAC. Hosting the WPAC is part of India’s larger vision to consistently host global sporting events and to assess its readiness for more extensive multi-sport competitions. Dr. Mandaviya confirmed, “We are deeply engaged in planning for the Commonwealth Games 2030, and we are focused on hosting the Olympic Games in 2036.
Hosted by India, the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 has seen participation from over 2,200 athletes representing 100 countries, competing in 186 medal events, which is an increase of 15 events compared to the 2024 edition.
There will be a total of 101 events for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event, marking the first time the country is hosting this championship.
It is significant to note that India has become the fourth Asian country to host the World Para Athletics Championships, following Qatar in 2015, the UAE in 2019, and Japan in 2024.
Reflecting on India’s performance in Kobe, Japan, the nation achieved its best-ever results at a World Para Athletics Championships, securing 17 medals, which included six gold, five silver, and six bronze, ultimately finishing sixth overall.
“It was a valuable opportunity to have a courtesy meeting with Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, IAS, Secretary of MYAS, Government of India, Mr. Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, Mr. Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, Khel Ratna, Padmashree, and Padmabhushan, Shri Jayawanta GH, Secretary General of PCI, Shri Pramod ji, Secretary General of BFI, along with other high-level dignitaries at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 at JN Stadium, New Delhi,” shares Dr. Biswakarma.
He has expressed gratitude to the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Rahul Basnet, and Ms. Yangchen D Tamang, SCA, Secretary of SYA, for their invaluable support. The nine-day Championships will conclude on October 05.