New Delhi: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Devendra Jhajharia has expressed confidence that India’s 73-member contingent is poised to win more than 20 medals at the upcoming World Para-Athletics Championships, set to begin on September 27. The championship, titled the IndianOil World Para-Athletics Championships, will be the largest-ever para sporting event hosted in India, featuring over 2,200 athletes and support staff from 104 countries.
“This is our largest-ever Indian squad at a World Para Athletics Championships, reflecting the depth and growth of para-sport in the country,” Jhajharia said. “At the previous edition in Kobe, India secured 17 medals. With a stronger and more experienced team this year, I am confident we will surpass 20 medals and make history on home soil.”
The squad is a mix of seasoned athletes and promising debutants, led by star javelin thrower and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil, who is also the defending world champion. Other notable names include Praveen Kumar, Nishad Kumar, Simran Sharma, Preeti Pal, Navdeep, Dharambir Nain, Pranav Soorma, and national standout Rinku Hooda, who will look to upgrade his 2023 Paris World Championships silver into gold. Ekta Bhyan will defend her title in the Club Throw F51 event.
Jhajharia also highlighted the diverse representation in the squad, with athletes hailing from Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and several other states, showcasing the nation’s broad sporting talent. This year, a record 35 athletes will make their World Championships debut, including Mahendra Gurjar, who already set a world record in the men’s F42 javelin throw with a 61.17m effort at the Nottwil Grand Prix in Switzerland earlier this year.
“Every athlete in this squad has overcome immense challenges to reach this stage. I am confident their performances will inspire many more across India to take up sport and dream without limits,” Jhajharia added.
