The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 are set to take place in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5, 2025, marking the first time India has hosted the event. Over 2,200 athletes from 104 nations will compete in 186 medal events at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, making it the largest para-athletics event India has ever hosted. India is fielding its largest-ever contingent of 73 para-athletes, aiming to capitalize on the home advantage.
Sumit Antil: Javelin Ace
Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic champion and world record holder in the F64 javelin throw, is a top contender for a gold medal. Antil has consistently broken records throughout his career. At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, he won gold with a world record throw of 68.55m. He then bettered his own record at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, winning gold with a throw of 70.59m, also a Paralympic record. He is also a two-time gold medalist at the World Para Championships. Antil also holds the world record in the F64 javelin throw with a distance of 73.29m.
Before para-athletics, Antil was a wrestler. However, after losing his left leg in a motorbike accident in 2015, he transitioned to javelin. His achievements have made him a prominent figure in Indian sports, and he is expected to lead the charge for India at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025.
Preeti Pal: Sprint Sensation
Preeti Pal, a para-sprinter from Uttar Pradesh, has overcome cerebral palsy to become a prominent athlete. She made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m T35 events. She clocked personal bests of 14.21 seconds in the 100m and 30.01 seconds in the 200m. These achievements made her the first Indian woman to win two medals in track and field events at the Paralympics.
Pal's journey has been marked by significant challenges, including societal biases and financial hardships. She discovered Paralympic Athletics videos on YouTube at 17 and began training at a local stadium without proper equipment. With support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), she gained access to professional coaching and world-class training. Pal has been named one of India's flag bearers for the World Para Athletics Championships 2025. Alongside Paralympic gold medalist Dharambir Singh, she will lead the Indian contingent.
Other Key Indian Athletes
Besides Sumit Antil and Preeti Pal, other Indian para-athletes are expected to perform well at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025:
India's para-athletics medal tally has increased significantly, from two silvers at the Doha 2015 World Championships to 17 medals at the Kobe 2024 World Championships. This reflects the country's growing strength in the sport. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) hopes the home team will win at least 20 medals. Live streaming and telecast of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 will be available in India.
