New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has officially launched the second edition of the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix, scheduled for March 11-13. This prestigious event will see the participation of approximately 257 athletes from eight different nations, turning the national capital into a hub for international para athletics. The Grand Prix commenced at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, with Svayam actively joining the event.

The competition will showcase athletes from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia, Egypt, and Neutral Para Athletes, with India presenting the largest team of around 219 athletes across various track and field categories.

This event is poised to highlight several of India's top para athletes, including Paralympic champions Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sumit Antil, and Praveen Kumar. Also in the lineup are Paralympic medalists Ajeet Singh and Devendra Singh Gurjar, multiple Asian Para Games medalist Ankur Dhama, T12 sprinter Simran, who clinched gold at the 2025 World Championships, and Preeti Pal, who made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by becoming the first Indian woman to secure two track and field medals in a single Paralympics.

Devendra Jhajharia, president of the Paralympic Committee of India, remarked: “The New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix signifies India’s expanding influence in the realm of global para sports. By hosting athletes from around the world, we provide our athletes with invaluable international competition on home soil, which is crucial for enhancing the country’s para athletics framework.”

Paul Fitzgerald, president of World Para Athletics, expressed excitement over returning to New Delhi after the inaugural Grand Prix and the World Championships held five months ago. He noted that the improvements made to the JLN stadium have already benefitted the Indian team, leading to a significant medal haul in 2026. Fitzgerald hopes that the ongoing Grand Prix will serve as a foundation for both seasoned and emerging athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. He emphasized the importance of government, commercial sponsors, and media support in elevating the visibility of para athletics across India. Moreover, he highlighted the need for grassroots investment to foster healthy communities and ensure equitable access to sports for everyone.

On this occasion, Sminu Jindal emphasized that accessibility is essential for both sports and public life. “Para athletes have consistently outperformed able-bodied athletes at major international events, including the Asian Games and Olympic Games. As India gears up to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and bids for the 2036 Olympic Games, our para athletes possess the potential to boost our medal tally and fortify India’s standing in the global parasports arena. It is imperative to enhance sporting infrastructure in schools, transportation, and training facilities to ensure that untapped talent among young para athletes can flourish and represent India on the world stage,” she stated.

Svayam conducted an accessibility assessment of the venue and facilitated tailored transportation arrangements to guarantee smooth mobility for athletes, officials, and participants. The inauguration also included discussions regarding the importance of accessibility in sports infrastructure and fostering inclusive sporting environments.

With participation from various countries and a strong contingent of India's finest para athletes, the New Delhi 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix is set to further solidify India’s commitment to advancing global para sports while underscoring the significance of accessible sports infrastructure.