New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) At the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, while the audience was sparse, the athletes' determination on the field was anything but lacking.

The three-day international para athletics event commenced on March 11 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and will run until March 13, featuring approximately 257 athletes from eight countries: India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Egypt.

Although the stands were mainly filled with coaches, teammates, and family, the athletes ensured that the competition remained vibrant and intensely fought.

For many competitors, this meet signifies more than just another competition. The Grand Prix provides 74 international classification slots across various categories, a vital milestone for athletes aiming to excel on the world stage.

India has sent the largest team, comprising around 219 athletes, demonstrating the increasing strength of the country’s para athletics program. The host nation approaches this event with confidence after leading the medal tally in the previous edition in 2025, where they claimed 134 medals: 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze.

The opening day showcased this strength, with Indian athletes excelling in multiple events and achieving several podium finishes in track and field disciplines. The host athletes secured numerous gold medals in events such as high jump, discus throw, and middle-distance races, including several podium sweeps that highlighted India’s prowess in para athletics. International competitors also made an impression, with athletes from Russia and Serbia securing top finishes in select events.

Despite the relatively quiet stadium atmosphere, the competition maintained the vibrancy typical of an international meet. Coaches and support personnel cheered from the sidelines, providing guidance from the infield, fostering a supportive environment that transcended national boundaries.

The excitement is anticipated to escalate on the second day, as some of India’s premier para athletics stars are set to shine. Sumit Antil, the gold medalist from the Paris Paralympics and the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, will compete in the javelin throw, while Praveen Kumar is prepared to take part in the long jump.

Their participation heightens the anticipation for an event that continues to showcase India’s rising significance in para athletics, where, even with sparse crowds, the performances and the athletes’ relentless spirit remain the focal point.