India hosts largest para athletics event ever

India is poised for a transformative moment in para sports, with World Para Athletics chief Paul Fitzgerald confident that the upcoming World Championships will elevate the country’s sporting ecosystem and set the stage for the next Paralympic Games. The event, starting September 27, marks the first time India hosts the World Para Athletics Championships, drawing over 2,200 athletes from 104 nations.

Speaking at the medal-unveiling ceremony in New Delhi, Fitzgerald, an American with Australian roots and a keen interest in cricket, highlighted the historic significance of the championships. “It’s the first major para sport event after the Paris Games and the largest single para sport gathering in the world. This is a perfect platform to maintain momentum and inspire athletes,” he said.

Fitzgerald praised India’s growing investment in sports, pointing to the upward trajectory of Indian para athletes and the sustained support from the government and the Paralympic Committee of India. “We see nothing but incredible things ahead,” he said.

On cricket, recently confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Fitzgerald suggested it could one day join the Paralympic program. “If the ecosystem is in place, and we highlight excellence across para-sports, there’s a possibility. A rising tide lifts all boats,” he added, noting the inspiration such visibility can provide for athletes worldwide.

With India hosting the largest para-athletics event in history, the championships are expected to boost funding, sponsorship, and community engagement, offering opportunities for athletes with disabilities to shine on a global stage.