Rohan Chowdhury
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will host the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 from September 27 to October 5. The event will bring together over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries. Team India will be represented by 73 athletes across various disciplines. A total of 186 medal events are on the schedule — 101 for men, 84 for women and one mixed category — marking an increase of 15 events compared to the previous edition in Kobe, Japan.
In an exclusive interview, two-time Paralympic gold medallist and president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Devendra Jhajharia, shared his thoughts on the upcoming World Championships and more. Excerpts:
Mr Jhajharia, first of all, the Para World Athletics Championships is coming to Delhi. India is hosting such a big tournament for the first time. How significant is this, not only for Para sports but for Indian sports as a whole?
Jhajharia: The Para World Athletics Championships coming to India is a landmark moment. This will be the country’s biggest sporting event of its kind, with participation from over 100 nations. The most important part is that for the first time in India, the event will be held on a Mondo track, both the main track and the warm-up track.
Earlier, athletes like us had to travel abroad for training in such world-class facilities. Now, thanks to the support of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and the Sports Minister, this has become a reality in India.
This is not just about Para sports, it’s a reflection of a new India. As Modi ji says, it is now India’s time to lead. Through this championship, we want to send a message to the world that India can host the best-ever World Championships. That is our commitment.
We have a large contingent, and Haryana is contributing big, but how do you view the overall composition of the squad? Which states stand out?
Jhajharia: We have 73 participants — the largest Indian contingent in World Championships history. Of course, Haryana has always contributed with a strong team, but this time, athletes are coming from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and many other states.
At the last edition in Kobe, India won 17 medals in athletics. This time, I am confident we will cross 20. Our athletes are ready to create history.
After the Paralympics, expectations have grown tremendously. That must bring pressure. How do you and the players deal with it?
Jhajharia: For me, the athletes are the real heroes. Our role as administrators is like that of the cameraman or the producer. But the spotlight belongs to the players.
Yes, there is pressure. But when I talk to the athletes, they tell me they are excited to compete at home, in front of Indian fans, on such a big stage. That enthusiasm helps reduce the pressure. As PCI, our job is to ensure they feel supported and confident.
From a fan perspective, how many spectators are you expecting?
Jhajharia: We are expecting a large turnout. People are very excited about the World Championships. For the first time, India is experiencing such an atmosphere around Para athletics. This event will inspire thousands of fans.
And what about corporate support? Finance plays a big role in staging such tournaments.
Jhajharia: Absolutely. We are fortunate to have strong partners. Indian Oil is our title sponsor, and many others have come forward to support us. Sponsorship in Indian sport has changed. Corporates today want to be associated with sports and athletes. That is a very positive development.
After the success of the Paris Paralympics, perceptions of Para sport in India seem to be changing. How do you see it?
Jhajharia: When I began my Paralympic journey in 2004, people often mocked me. They would ask, ‘What is this Divyang doing on the ground’?
But today, when someone sees a Divyang child, they say, ‘become like Avani Lekhara, become like Sumit Antil, become like Devendra Jhajharia’. That shift is the biggest source of happiness for me.
The last 20 years have brought a transformation. Earlier, people doubted us. Now, they encourage youngsters to take up sport and dream of becoming champions.
Among India’s 73 athletes, we know about stars like Sumit (Antil), Sachin (Khilari), and Deepti (Jeevanji). But is there a surprise package we should watch out for?
Jhajharia: For me, all 73 athletes are stars. I tell them only one thing: give your best performance. If they do that, medals will follow naturally. So, I don’t single out anyone. Each athlete is capable of producing something special.
Finally, would you like to send a message to the fans, especially those in Delhi?
Jhajharia: Yes. I want to appeal to the people of Delhi: come to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from 27 September to 5 October. More than 100 countries are participating.
You will witness something extraordinary — athletes who cannot see will run, athletes without arms will throw the javelin and athletes without legs will jump. It will be a spectacle of human spirit and resilience.
So please come, cheer, and make this the best World Championships ever.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news