India’s Para Athletes Make History with Record 22 Medals
India has achieved its best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, securing 10th position globally with a record-breaking haul of 22 medals. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya personally felicitated the medal-winning contingent and distributed cash awards exceeding ₹1.09 crore.
Key Achievements
- 22 medals – India’s highest-ever tally
- 10th place in overall standings
- 6 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze medals
- Over ₹1.09 crore in cash awards distributed
Minister’s Inspiring Words
Addressing the athletes, Minister Mandaviya declared, “You are not para athletes, but Power Athletes of Bharat. The pride you brought to the nation after the medal wins and the inspiring message you have given to the divyang people in particular is noteworthy.”
He praised their resilience and highlighted how they embody Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of New India. “The Prime Minister was watching your matches on TV and used to keep asking about you all during our meetings,” Mandaviya revealed.
Successful International Event Hosting
The New Delhi 2025 championships marked India’s most successful hosting of a global para-sport event. Held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, it featured:
- 2,100+ participants from 100 countries
- 186 medal events
- International recognition for excellent facilities
International Recognition
“The level of facilities provided to athletes and the technical conduct of the Games were both of the highest level,” said PCI President Devendra Jhajharia, quoting international officials.
Jhajharia credited the successful organization to the combined efforts of PCI, SAI, and the Sports Ministry, noting that cash awards were distributed within seven days of competition completion.
Athletes Praise World-Class Facilities
Indian athletes unanimously praised the championship infrastructure:
Sumit Antil highlighted the MONDO track in both warm-up and competition areas, along with excellent accommodation and transport facilities.
Sailesh Kumar, who won India’s first gold, mentioned: “The track and home support were very favourable. Besides the MONDO track, the nearby gym and fitness centre also proved useful.”
Preeti Pal, a double medallist, appreciated the medical facilities: “The medical room helped us sprinters a lot in between our races for recovery. The ice bath in particular proved really beneficial.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Minister Mandaviya concluded by thanking the athletes for transforming ‘disability into determination’, stating: “This is a new definition of courage that will keep inspiring future generations. You have not only won medals, but you have also won our hearts.”
His powerful closing remark captured the essence of their achievement: “You have shown that when intent is strong, wheelchairs can also become wings.”
