- PM Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Nita Ambani hail para-athletes’ record 22-medal feat; Global stars laud India’s flawless hosting and world-class facilities
- Out of India’s medal winners, 15 athletes were supported under TOPS and one from the Khelo India programme, underscoring the government’s sustained focus on para-sports excellence
NE SPORTS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, OCT 6
India’s tricolour flew high as the Indian Oil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships concluded on a historic note at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with India recording its best-ever medal tally — 22 medals (6 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze) — and earning praise from across the sporting world for its exceptional organisation, inclusivity, and spirit.
More than 2,200 athletes from over 100 nations competed in 186 medal events, but it was India — the first-time host and only the fourth Asian nation after Qatar, UAE, and Japan to do so — that stole the global spotlight.
PM Modi leads the nation in saluting para heroes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the historic performance, calling it “a defining chapter in India’s sporting journey.”
“A historic performance by our para-athletes! The Indian contingent had its best-ever outing, winning 22 medals including 6 Golds. Their success will inspire millions. Hosting this championship in Delhi has been an honour for India. My gratitude to all athletes and support staff from over 100 nations who made this event special,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, who felicitated the medal winners, said: “Our para-athletes are symbols of New India — determined, resilient, and unstoppable. Their success is a reflection of the Government’s commitment to inclusivity under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The world has witnessed that India can host mega sporting events with perfection and pride.”
Nita Ambani: “India’s Para Athletes Embody the Human Spirit at Its Strongest”
Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, applauded the contingent, calling their achievement a “celebration of courage, hope, and excellence.”
“With 6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals, India achieved its best-ever tally — a testament to our growing strength in para sport. Hosting this historic event and watching our champions shine on home soil fills us with immense pride. Their perseverance reminds us that the greatest victories are those of the human spirit,” she said.
India’s Golden Rise
India’s dominance was led by Sumit Antil, who set a Championship Record to clinch gold in the men’s javelin throw F64, and Ekta Bhyan and Dharambir, who added to India’s medal glory.
Antil credited the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India for the transformation in Indian para-sport.
“TOPS changed everything. From exposure to international training, recovery science, and sports nutrition — we now have the same ecosystem as global champions. The results speak for themselves,” Antil said.
Out of India’s medal winners, 15 athletes were supported under TOPS and one from the Khelo India programme, underscoring the government’s sustained focus on para-sports excellence.
World Champions praise India’s hosting
The Championships earned rave reviews from global athletes for India’s hospitality, facilities, and inclusivity.
Fleur Jong, six-time World Champion and Paralympic medallist from the Netherlands, said:
“It has been a fantastic experience here in India. From officials to volunteers, everyone was kind and professional. The event was world-class — I look forward to returning.”
Markus Rehm (Germany), Greg Stewart (Canada), and Derek Loccident (USA) echoed similar sentiments, describing India’s organisation as “flawless” and “among the best globally.”
Deepa Malik: “India Is ready for the Paralympics”
Padma Shri awardee and Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik called the Championships a “watershed moment” for Indian sports.
“This event has redefined inclusivity in India. From infrastructure to accessibility, we have set new benchmarks. Yes, India is ready for the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics — this is Viksit Bharat, where every athlete can dream, achieve, and inspire,” she said.
Coach and Paralympian Amit Saroha added that the quality of organisation was “the best India has ever achieved.”
“Having been to four World Championships and multiple Paralympics, I can confidently say this was world-class in every respect. India has proved it can host the Paralympics tomorrow,” he noted.
