The Indian contingent has concluded its campaign at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi with an unprecedented and historic medal haul, securing a record 22 medals. The stellar performance on home soil has been hailed across the nation, with Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani praising the athletes for a victory that embodies the “human spirit.”
India finished the championships with 6 Gold, 9 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals, marking the country’s best-ever performance at a single edition of the Para Athletics World Championships. This achievement significantly surpasses their previous best of 17 medals won at the Kobe 2024 event.
The 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships, hosted by India for the first time, saw intense competition over nine days at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The hosts’ record tally is a powerful testament to the athletes’ dedication and the country’s growing strength in para-sport.
Commenting on the historic performance, Nita Ambani praised the athletes’ remarkable journey and success:
“Congratulations to all our para athletes for their outstanding performance at the World Para Athletics Championships! With 6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals, India achieved its best-ever medal tally of 22, a testament to our growing strength in para sport. Hosting this historic event for the first time and watching our champions shine on home soil fills us with immense pride. Their courage and perseverance remind us that the greatest victories are those of the human spirit of inclusion, resilience, and excellence.”
The medal rush was driven by several standout performances, with Indian athletes setting three championship records:
- Sumit Antil (Javelin Throw F64) secured gold with a Championship Record throw.
- Shailesh Kumar (Men’s High Jump T63) clinched gold with a new event mark.
- Rinku Hooda (Men’s Javelin F46) won a first-time world championship gold with a Championship Record.
The final day witnessed a strong flourish, adding four more medals to the tally, including silver-winning performances from visually impaired sprinter Simran Sharma and Preethi Pal in the women’s track events, along with a silver from javelin thrower Navdeep Singh. India’s track athletes had their most successful World Championships yet, winning six medals.
The remarkable performance of the 73-member Indian contingent (54 men and 19 women) at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 has not only etched a new milestone in Indian sports history but has also inspired millions, reinforcing the power of sport to champion inclusivity and resilience.
