New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honored India's medal-winning team from the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, praising their remarkable spirit, tenacity, and record-setting achievements that have brought immense pride to the nation.

India marked its most outstanding performance in World Para Athletics Championships history, securing 10th place overall with a record total of 22 medals — 6 Gold, 9 Silver, and 7 Bronze. The Department of Sports, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, awarded cash prizes exceeding Rs 1.09 crore to the para athletes.

"You are not merely para athletes; you are power athletes of Bharat. The pride you have instilled in our nation through your victories and the motivation you've provided to the divyang community is commendable. Your passion is incredible," Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated during the ceremony.

The Sports Minister lauded the perseverance shown by the athletes throughout the competition, adding, "The vision and spirit of New India, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is reflected in your achievements. The Prime Minister followed your matches on television and frequently inquired about you during our discussions," the Union Minister remarked.

This ceremony comes on the heels of what has been internationally recognized as India's most successful hosting of a global para-sport event. The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was the largest para-sport event ever conducted in India, featuring over 2,100 participants from 100 countries competing in 186 medal events.

Present at the event was Devendra Jhajharia, president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), who remarked, "The Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) have supported us like a family. We received a trophy from the WPA on the final day for successfully hosting this event. They expressed interest in having India host more such events in the future. Both IPC President Andrew Parsons and World Para Athletics President Paul Fritzerald praised the facilities provided to the athletes and the technical conduct of the Games, which were of the highest standard. Such accolades from international bodies are a testament to the combined efforts of PCI, SAI, and the Ministry. The Minister's prompt distribution of cash awards within a week post-competition highlights his commitment to enhancing sports," Jhajharia noted.

The athletes unanimously praised the MONDO track at the JLN Stadium for its crucial role during the championships.

"We were all very pleased with the MONDO track, which was available in both the warm-up and competition areas," said Sumit Antil. "Additionally, the accommodations and transportation were excellent. The local volunteers, along with SAI and PCI, provided us with tremendous support."

Sailesh Kumar, who secured the first gold for India at the WPAC 2025, shared, "This was a significant event for India. I felt nervous on the first day, but the preparations were excellent. The track and the support from home were very encouraging. Besides the MONDO track, the nearby gym and fitness center were also highly beneficial," added the athlete from Bihar.

Double medalist Preeti Pal spoke about the medical support. "The medical room was incredibly helpful for sprinters like us in between races for recovery. The ice bath, in particular, was very advantageous," she mentioned.

Reiterating the mental fortitude displayed by the para athletes, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya expressed gratitude for their ability to transform 'disability into determination'. "This redefines courage and will continue to inspire future generations. The entire nation takes pride in your accomplishments. You haven't just earned medals; you've also won our hearts. You've shown that with strong intent, wheelchairs can become wings," he concluded.