New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, historically recognized for hosting the Asian Games in 1982 and the Commonwealth Games in 2010, is set to regain prominence, this time transformed with initiatives that emphasize integrity and independence for all competitors.

The World Para Athletics Championships will be held at JLN Stadium from September 27 to October 5, marking India's inaugural hosting of this esteemed tournament. This nine-day affair will feature participation from over 2,200 para-athletes across 100 nations.

The expanded competition lineup includes 186 medal events, which is an increase of 15 from the previous edition in Kobe, featuring 101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Sminu Jindal, founder of official Accessibility Partner Svayam, expressed that hosting the World Para Championship communicates that accessibility can be achieved on a large scale and that these initiatives will significantly aid India's aspirations to host an Olympic event.

“This championship, when combined with our past and ongoing initiatives, illustrates that accessibility and inclusion can indeed be scaled. Looking forward, Svayam is actively working toward India's ambition of hosting future Olympics and global sporting events centered on accessibility and inclusion, positioning India as a global leader in inclusive sports,” Sminu told IANS.

Simran Sharma, who secured a bronze medal in the women's 200m T12 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, shared a similar sentiment, stating, “As an athlete competing in various international events, including the Paris Paralympics, having accessible training and playing facilities, along with reliable transportation to the venue, is crucial. A accessible environment is vital not only for the conduct of the games but also for our performance, as reaching the venue safely and comfortably allows us to focus on the game.”

“I am thrilled that Svayam is providing these facilities, as they will not only benefit us but also highlight India as an inclusive, para-friendly host nation,” Simran conveyed to IANS.

Svayam has conducted a comprehensive accessibility audit of 13 hotels, the gaming venue, and two training sites in preparation for the Championship and will be offering customized transport solutions, ensuring smooth mobility for para-athletes in collaboration with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

In addition to audits and training, Svayam is also facilitating mobility-friendly transportation for para-athletes needing assistance, ensuring seamless transfers between hotels, practice areas, and the stadium. With 186 medal events on the agenda, this Championship will distinguish itself as a landmark in international para-sport while establishing a benchmark for inclusive event management in India.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, known for hosting the Asian Games in 1982 and the Commonwealth Games in 2010, is again set to shine, this time reimagined with measures prioritizing integrity and independence for all participants.

“Svayam has acted as an accessibility partner for several prestigious sporting events globally, including the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, the Khelo India Para Games, and the DCCI Mixed Disability T20 Cricket Championship. Each partnership has underscored the necessity of integrating accessibility into the planning stages of events, and we have applied those insights in our collaboration for this championship. By working with local authorities and organizers, we ensured that accessibility is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of the event's infrastructure,” Sminu concluded.

With a rich history of promoting accessibility in sports, Svayam has collaborated with the Paralympic Committee of India during significant events, such as the Tokyo Paralympics 2021 and the Paris Paralympics 2024. It has also contributed to the 5th Indian Open Para-Athletic International Championship & Regional Sports Training (2023) in Bangalore and has partnered with the Disability Cricket Council of India (DCCI) since 2020.

“We are collaborating with the Sports Authority of India, Delhi Police, Delhi Transport Corporation, and the organizing committee to identify and eliminate barriers. For instance, we are holding sensitization sessions with DTC drivers and conductors, training Delhi Police personnel, sports volunteers, anchors, and reporters, and coaching them to assist para-athletes with the right knowledge and practical support. Our partnership guarantees that accessibility is embedded into every logistical and infrastructural decision,” the founder of Svayam concluded.