World Para-Athletics Grand Prix opens in national capital

India’s first-ever World Para-Athletics Grand Prix began at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. The three-day event will feature over 90 competitions, bringing together top para-athletes from across the globe. India has fielded a strong 145-member contingent, featuring Paralympic gold medalists Praveen (High Jump T64 category), Navdeep (Javelin F41 category), and Dharambir (Club Throw F51 category ). However, big names such as double Paralympic champion Sumit Antil and double Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya will be missing. 

The event, which will continue till the  13th of this month, is witnessing the participation of another 105 para-athletes from 19 countries. Several



international teams, including those from Saudi Arabia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka are taking part in the event. The UAE enters the competition with strong momentum, having secured 21 medals at the recently concluded Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in Dubai. Kazakhstan, a powerhouse in the 2022 Asian Para Games with 41 medals, including eight golds, will also aim for a dominant performance. 

The Grand Prix is expected to be a crucial preparatory event ahead of major international championships to be held later this year, including the World Para Athletics Championships.