New Delhi, September 8 (HS): A record 35 Indian athletes will be making their debut at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5. This marks the largest-ever contingent of debutants from India in a single edition of the world championships.

Among the star attractions will be India’s champion para-athlete Sundar Singh Gurjar, who recently set a new world record of 61.17 meters in the men’s F46 javelin throw at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland. Currently training in Patiala, Gurjar is gearing up to leave a mark in his maiden world championship appearance.

The list of debutants includes Atul Kaushik (Discus F57), Praveen Kumar (Shot Put F46), Hani (Discus F37), Meet Bharatbhai Patel (Long Jump T44), Manjeet (Javelin F13), Vishu (Long Jump T12), Pushpendra Singh (Javelin F44), Ajay Singh (Long Jump T47), Shubham Juyal (Shot Put F57), Birbhadra Singh (Discus F57), Dayawanti (Women’s 400m T20), Amisha Rawat (Women’s Shot Put F46), Anandi Kulanthaisamy (Club Throw F32), and Suchitra Parida (Women’s Javelin F56).

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia praised the team, stating, “Never before have so many Indian athletes made their debut at a World Championships together. Each of them has overcome immense challenges to reach here. They represent the hope of a new generation and will inspire millions of youth to dream big and pursue sports as a career.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Sundar Singh Gurjar said, “This championship is not just about medals, it’s about showcasing to the world the spirit and capabilities of Indian para-athletes. I hope our performance inspires especially young girls to take up sports and chase their dreams.”

Debutant Meet Bharatbhai Patel (Men’s Long Jump T44) added, “It has been my dream to compete at this level in front of home fans. I am grateful for this opportunity and will give everything to make India proud.”

The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will be India’s biggest-ever para sporting event, featuring more than 2,200 athletes and support staff from 104 nations, competing across 186 medal events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar