The World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025, held in New Delhi, marked a historic milestone for India’s para-sports ecosystem. Hosted from March 11 to 13 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, this event served as a critical qualifier for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Below is a structured overview with key details tailored for competitive exam preparation.
Event Overview
Dates: March 11–13, 2025
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Participants: 283 athletes from 20 countries (145 Indian, 105 international)
Total Events: 90 across track and field disciplines
Significance:
First major international para-athletics event hosted by India.
Classified as a World Championships qualification event.
Focused on athlete classification to ensure fair competition across disability categories.
India’s Medal Tally
India dominated the event with a record-breaking 134 medals:
| Medal Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Gold | 45 |
| Silver | 40 |
| Bronze | 49 |
Key Performers:
Praveen Kumar (High Jump T64): Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist.
Preeti Pal (200m T35-38): Secured bronze, adding to her Paralympic accolades.
Ravi Rangoli (Shot Put F41): Clinched bronze in a competitive field.
Event Categories
The Grand Prix featured a wide range of track and field events:
Track Events
Sprints: 100m (T11-T64), 200m (T35-T64)
Middle/Long Distance: 400m (T11-T54), 1500m (T11-T54), 5000m (T11-T54)
Field Events
Throws: Discus (F11-F64), Javelin (F12-F57), Shot Put (F11-F61)
Jumps: Long Jump (T11-T64), High Jump (T42-T47)
Key Highlights for Exams
Historic Hosting: India’s first major para-athletics event.
Classification Focus: Critical for ensuring fair competition (emphasized by PCI President Devendra Jhajharia).
Global Participation: Athletes from 20 nations, including Paralympic champions like Vanessa Low (Australia) and Joeferson Marinho (Brazil).
Absences: Sumit Antil (javelin) skipped due to prior commitments.
Why This Matters for Exams
Sports Governance: Reflects India’s growing role in hosting international para-sports events.
Statistical Data: Medal counts and participant demographics are frequently asked in SSC and state-level exams.
Policy Impact: Highlights initiatives like the Khelo India Para Games and infrastructure development for disabled athletes.
Note: Underline terms like classification, qualification event, and Paralympic medallists during revision for quick recall.
