World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 Launches in New Delhi
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Synopsis
The World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 has begun in New Delhi, featuring 280 athletes from 20 countries. The event includes 98 competitions over three days, showcasing remarkable talent and resilience among para-athletes, while also serving as a precursor to the World Para Athletics Championships scheduled in New Delhi later this year.
Key Takeaways
- Grand Prix features 280 athletes from 20 nations.
- 98 events scheduled over three days.
- Notable absences among confirmed para-athletes.
- Devendra Jhajharia praises the event's significance.
- Serves as a precursor to the World Championships.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The realm of para-athletics has turned its gaze towards India as the eagerly awaited World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 kicked off at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. The vibrant opening ceremony attracted a lively audience, comprising esteemed dignitaries, athletes, and fans from across the globe. This open event has attracted 280 athletes hailing from 20 countries, competing in a total of 98 events over the upcoming three days.
A total of 195 male and 85 female athletes have arrived with high hopes, positioning this edition as one of the most awaited events in the international para-athletics calendar.
However, the Grand Prix also faced the withdrawal of several confirmed Indian and international para-athletes for various reasons, leading to reduced participation in some events, with certain competitions featuring only a single participant.
In the men’s high jump T42 final, which is specifically for athletes with a single above-the-knee amputation or comparable disabilities, only Ramsingbhai Gobindbhai Padhiyar competed, winning the event without contest. Other athletes, Lokesh Mantra, Shailesh Kumar, and Varun Singh Bhati, withdrew from the competition.
In the men’s javelin throw (F33, F34) category, reserved for individuals with moderate movement and coordination impairments affecting the entire body or significant parts, particularly the legs—only two participants were present. Oybek Egamnazarov from Uzbekistan clinched first place with a throw of 18.05m, while India’s Devershee Sachan secured second with a distance of 11.34m.
In the men’s 100m (T11, T12) sprint event, aimed at athletes with near-total visual impairment, Joeferson Marinho de Oliveira from Brazil took home the gold with a time of 11.17 seconds. Indian sprinters Vishnu (12.39 sec) and Pragadeeshwara Raja Moorthy (12.94 sec) finished second and third in a field of three. Another participant from India, Ramanjee, did not start.
Devendra Jhajharia, a celebrated para-athlete and PCI President, described the Grand Prix as a tribute to courage, determination, and excellence. He expressed pride in India hosting the world’s top para-athletes and reaffirmed PCI’s dedication to advancing para-sports at both grassroots and elite levels.
A significant aspect of this Grand Prix is its function as a precursor to the World Para Athletics Championships, which will also be held in New Delhi six months later.
Martin Chorley, Senior Manager at World Para Athletics, emphasized the importance of this opportunity. “This is a unique moment for para-athletes, teams, and organizers. Holding the Grand Prix at the same venue as the World Championships will provide invaluable preparation for all involved,” he remarked.
