New Delhi to Host World Para Athletics Grand Prix

The second edition of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix is scheduled to take place in India from March 11 to 13. Athletes from eight nations will participate in the competition.

The event will feature athletes from India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia, and Egypt.

Indian Contingent and Notable Athletes

India will field the largest contingent, comprising approximately 219 athletes. Several top Indian para-athletes are expected to compete, including Mariyappan Thangavelu, a Paralympic gold medallist; Sumit Antil, a Paralympic champion and world record holder; and Praveen Kumar, another Paralympic gold medallist.

Other prominent Indian athletes participating include Ajeet Singh, Devendra Singh Gurjar, Ankur Dhama, a multiple Asian Para Games medallist, Simran, a T12 sprinter who won gold at the 2025 World Championships, and Preeti Pal, who secured two bronze medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in the women’s 100m and 200m T35 events.

Competition Details

Athletes will compete in a variety of track and field events across different sport classifications. The competition aims to provide an important international platform for both elite and emerging para-athletes and to reinforce India’s role as a host for global para sporting events.

A total of 74 international classification slots will be available during the competition, with 39 designated for athletes with physical impairments, 29 for athletes with vision impairments, and six for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Statements from Officials

Devendra Jhajharia, president of the Paralympic Committee of India, stated that the event highlights the growing global stature of para athletics in India. He also noted that the large Indian contingent will benefit from valuable international exposure.

Previous Grand Prix Performance

The previous edition of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix New Delhi in 2025 saw India achieve a dominant performance, finishing first with a total of 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze.