With less than 90 days to go, the Delhi Paralympic Committee President steps up state-level outreach to unite India behind its biggest para-sporting event yet

New Delhi | July 7, 2025

As Delhi prepares to host the 12th World Para Athletics Championships from September 27 to October 5 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, efforts are underway to mobilize inter-state support for what is set to be India’s largest-ever para-sports event. Parul Singh, President of the Delhi State Paralympic Committee, recently met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in New Delhi as part of her outreach to various state governments.

During their meeting, Singh presented Soren with a traditional painting of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, symbolizing cultural unity. The interaction was followed by discussions on promoting para-sports and ensuring participation from across the country.

Speaking during a recent media interaction, Singh emphasized that the Championship is not just a global sporting opportunity but a national moment to invest in long-term infrastructure and training support for para-athletes. “This championship is an opportunity not just for global recognition, but to build a long-term ecosystem for para-sports in India,” she said.

More than 1,000 athletes from over 100 countries are expected to compete in 186 medal events, making it a landmark moment for Indian para-sport. Singh’s recent efforts come in the wake of Delhi successfully hosting the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in March this year, which featured 283 athletes from 20 countries. Singh was closely involved in ensuring accessibility and stakeholder coordination for that event, which served as a precursor to the Championships.

The official campaign for the Championships was launched on June 20, where Singh joined Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and MP Kangana Ranaut to unveil the mascot “Viraaj”—an elephant with a blade prosthesis, representing resilience. World Para Athletics Head Paul Fitzgerald was also present for the launch.
Singh has been vocal about the need for systemic change in the way para-sports are viewed and supported in India. “In a country of over 1.4 billion, para-athletes are still overlooked. This Championship is a chance to change that narrative,” she said.

Her ongoing outreach to state leaders, including Soren, is aimed at ensuring widespread awareness, athlete identification, and resource allocation, critical steps for India’s future ambitions, including its long-term bid to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics.

Athletes such as Praveen Kumar (High Jump T64) and Navdeep Singh (Javelin F41), who earned medals at the 2024 Kobe Championships, are expected to be key figures in the Indian contingent. India had won 17 medals in Kobe, including six golds.

Corporate support has already begun to flow in, with Indian Oil and other organizations backing the Championships. Singh is now focused on ensuring the city’s readiness, from transportation and volunteer training to accommodation and media operations.

With less than three months remaining, Singh’s leadership continues to be a critical force behind the push for national inclusivity in sport. For her, the Championships represent not just a sporting event, but a platform for lasting change for millions of Indians with disabilities.