PM Modi Hails Indian Para-Athletes’ Historic Medal Haul At World Championships

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian contingent for their record-breaking performance at the World Para-Athletics Championships 2025, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi from September 23 to October 5.

India secured a remarkable total of 22 medals, six gold, nine silver, and seven bronze, marking the nation’s best-ever performance at the global event.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “A historic performance by our para-athletes! This year’s World Para-Athletics Championships have been very special. The Indian contingent had its best-ever performance, winning 22 medals, including 6 Gold Medals. Congrats to our athletes. Their success will inspire several people. I am proud of each and every member of our contingent and wish them the very best for their future endeavours.”

For the first time, India hosted the World Para-Athletics Championships, a distinction usually reserved for nations with established sporting infrastructure.

The iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium welcomed over 2,200 athletes from more than 100 nations, competing across 186 medal events.

PM Modi noted that hosting the championship was a matter of immense pride for the country, saying, “Hosting the tournament in Delhi has also been an honour for India. Gratitude to athletes and support staff from almost 100 nations who were a part of the tournament.”

Record-Breaking Performance

India’s achievement at the 2025 edition far surpassed its previous records: nine medals at Dubai 2019, ten at Paris 2023, and seventeen at Kobe 2024. The remarkable improvement underscores the growing strength of India’s para-athletics ecosystem and the increasing international competitiveness of its athletes.

The government’s sustained investment in sports development programmes has played a significant role in this success.

Fifteen medal winners at WPAC 2025 came from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), while one athlete hailed from the Khelo India programme. In total, 23 TOPS athletes and 22 Khelo India athletes represented India at the event.

These initiatives have provided para-athletes with access to world-class coaching, equipment, and exposure. They have fostered a new generation of champions who continue to bring pride to the nation.

PM Modi emphasised that the achievements of India’s para-athletes symbolise resilience, dedication, and the power of inclusivity.

Their extraordinary success, he said, will not only motivate future athletes but also promote awareness and acceptance of para-sports in the country.

As India celebrates this historic triumph, the World Para-Athletics Championships 2025 mark a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting journey. It redefines India’s sporting spirit and reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive sporting ecosystem.

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