New Delhi, India, witnessed an unprecedented moment as the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships concluded with India setting a historic record by winning 22 medals. Among over 2,200 athletes from more than 100 countries competing in 186 events, India secured:
- 6 Gold medals
- 9 Silver medals
- 7 Bronze medals
This performance marks India’s best-ever achievement at the world level in para athletics.
Deepa Malik’s Call for Recognition
Renowned Paralympian and sports administrator Deepa Malik praised the championship’s successful hosting in New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the accomplishments of para-athletes. She said, “As an athlete and as an administrator, I am absolutely elated to say that India has successfully hosted over 100 countries, making this the biggest celebration of para sport in India’s history.” Malik also noted significant enhancements in infrastructure, accommodations, and volunteer support compared to previous events hosted by India.
Historic Progress in Para Athletics
The 2025 championship surpassed previous records:
- 9 medals at Dubai 2019
- 10 medals at Paris 2023
- 17 medals at Kobe 2024
Additionally, India’s Paralympic medal tally has grown dramatically, from only 2 medals in Athens 2004 to 29 medals in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Government Support and Athlete Development
Deepa Malik credited the remarkable progress to enhanced government initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India. At WPAC 2025, out of the participants, 15 were TOPS athletes and one was from Khelo India, all reaching the podium among a total of 23 TOPS and 22 Khelo India athletes.
“There is now immense opportunity for para-athletes to pursue dreams and make India proud,” Malik said, underlining India’s preparedness to potentially host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Endorsements from the Para-Sports Community
Paralympian and coach Amit Saroha lauded WPAC 2025 as India’s finest organized international sports event and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to host future Paralympic competitions.
Star athlete Sumit Antil, gold medalist and championship record holder in the men’s javelin throw F64, highlighted the transformative effect of TOPS since its establishment in 2014. He remarked, “TOPS gave us international exposure, elite training facilities, top coaches, nutrition, and recovery support. These resources were not available before the Commonwealth Games, and that changed everything.”
A Bright Future for Indian Para Sports
India’s outstanding results at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships demonstrate a growing powerhouse in para sports supported by strong government programs and increasing public enthusiasm.
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