Will Over 100 Paris Paralympics Medallists Battle for Glory at the World Para Athletics Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic Event: First time India hosts the World Para Athletics Championships.
- Massive Participation: Over 2,200 athletes from 104 countries competing.
- Expanded Events: 186 medal events, 15 more than the previous edition.
- Star Athletes: Features renowned champions and emerging talents.
- Inspiration: A platform that promotes inclusivity and unity.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (NationPress) The World Para Athletics Championships, taking place from September 27 to October 5 at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, promises to be a monumental sporting event. Over 2,200 athletes and support personnel from 104 nations will vie for victory in 186 medal events, marking it as India’s largest-ever para sports gathering.
This championship guarantees electrifying moments, intense rivalries, and outstanding displays of talent as more than 100 medallists, who collectively earned 308 medals at the Paris Paralympics - comprising 112 gold, 96 silver, and 100 bronze - return to showcase their skills on the most prestigious para athletics platform.
It is the first instance of India hosting this esteemed event, with an expanded agenda featuring 186 medal events—15 more compared to the previous edition in Kobe, consisting of 101 events for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event.
Leading the competition is Germany’s Markus Rehm, a four-time Paralympic champion and seven-time world champion in the men’s long jump T64. Known as the Blade Jumper, Rehm holds a world record that exceeds every Olympic gold medal jump in this century.
India’s own Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist and defending WPAC champion in Men’s Javelin F64, is ready to captivate the home crowd once more.
Catherine Debrunner from Switzerland, who dazzled with five golds and a silver across six events in Paris, is set to compete in five races in New Delhi, aspiring to echo her remarkable achievements.
Paralympian Praveen Kumar, Men’s High Jumper T64, is keen to complete his medal collection by securing a gold at the World Para Athletics Championships on home turf.
Other notable participants include Brazil’s Petrucio Ferreira, the world’s fastest Paralympian, who is on the hunt for his fifth consecutive world title in the men’s 100m T47, and India’s flag bearer Preeti Pal, who secured two bronze medals at Paris 2024 and performed admirably in Kobe.
From Australia, Vanessa Low, gold medallist in Long Jump T63 at Paris, will return to the familiar grounds of the JLN stadium, continuing to lead a top-tier field of competitors.
Additional Olympic medallists like Safia Djelal, Jesse Zesseu, and Nassima Saifi will further enhance the star-studded lineup.
Besides the renowned athletes, the Championships will spotlight emerging talents eager to make their mark, ensuring it’s an unforgettable occasion for sports enthusiasts worldwide.