New Delhi Set to Host India’s First-Ever World Para Athletics Grand Prix
India’s capital, New Delhi, is gearing up to host its maiden World Para Athletics Grand Prix, marking a historic milestone for para-sports in the country. Over the next three days, 283 athletes from 20 nations will compete at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, promising thrilling performances and world-class athleticism.
This Grand Prix is particularly significant as it serves as a precursor to the World Para Athletics Championships, which will be held at the same venue in six months’ time. With the Championships on the horizon, the Grand Prix offers athletes and teams a valuable opportunity to acclimate to the local conditions, fine-tune their strategies, and gain firsthand experience of the competition environment they will face in September.
The Venue: A Legacy of Sporting Excellence
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, one of India’s premier sporting arenas, has a rich legacy in international sports. Originally built to host the 1982 Asian Games, the stadium underwent a major renovation ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, making it one of the most modern and well-equipped stadiums in the region.
With a seating capacity of 60,000, the stadium has hosted some of the biggest sporting events in India. It is primarily used for athletics and football, boasting a state-of-the-art nine-lane synthetic track and one of the world’s largest membrane roof systems, ensuring excellent conditions for competitors.
In preparation for the World Para Athletics Championships, the stadium will soon receive a brand-new track, further enhancing its world-class facilities.
International Stars to Watch
Vanessa Low: The Comeback Story
One of the most celebrated international athletes at the Grand Prix is Vanessa Low from Australia, a three-time Paralympic champion in the women’s long jump T63 category.
Her return to New Delhi is particularly special, as it was here that she made her international debut in 2009.
“I had my classification and first competition as part of the German team here in India, and it remains one of my fondest memories. I still love that trip and am really excited to be back,” said Low, reflecting on her journey.
With six World Championship appearances already under her belt, Low is now eyeing an unprecedented achievement:
“I'm looking forward to winning my first back-to-back world title. I've won the last three Paralympic Games, but never consecutive World Championships—this is the time to do it.”
Other Global Contenders
Low is just one of the many international stars competing in New Delhi. The Australian contingent also features:
Chad Perris – Rio 2016 bronze medallist in sprinting
Rhiannon Clarke – Three-time World Championships medallist
Meanwhile, Brazil will be represented by two outstanding sprinters, both Paris 2024 silver medallists:
Joeferson Marinho – men’s 100m T12
Bartolomeu Chaves – men’s 400m T37
These world-class athletes bring a wealth of experience and are expected to deliver electrifying performances at the Grand Prix.
South Asia’s Rising Stars
The New Delhi Grand Prix is more than just a competition—it’s also an opportunity to promote para-sports in South Asia and give regional athletes a platform to compete against the world’s best.
Para-athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka will be competing at an elite international level, gaining valuable exposure and experience.
Notably, Nepal, which made its Grand Prix debut at the season-opening event in Dubai, is looking to build on its progress and continue its journey in para-athletics.
Among the larger delegations from Asia, Uzbekistan is sending the biggest team with 22 athletes, followed by the Philippines with 14.
A Rising Star from Uzbekistan
A key athlete to watch from Uzbekistan is Kudratillokhon Marufkhujaev, the Paris 2024 Paralympic champion in men’s shot put F37.
Marufkhujaev, a double world champion from Kobe 2024, has already established himself as a dominant force in shot put and discus throw, making him a strong medal contender in New Delhi.
India’s Homegrown Talent Set to Shine
Having started the year on a high note by topping the medals table at the Dubai 2025 Grand Prix, the host nation India will be aiming to carry that momentum forward on home soil.
Leading the Charge
India will field the largest contingent at the event, with 167 para-athletes (116 men and 51 women) competing across multiple disciplines.
Leading the Indian squad are two of the country’s biggest para-athletics stars:
Praveen Kumar – Paris 2024 gold medallist in high jump
Preeti Pal – Two-time Paralympic bronze medallist in sprinting
Competing at home brings extra motivation for Indian athletes, as expressed by Praveen Kumar:
“Competing in front of a home crowd at such a prestigious event is truly special. The Grand Prix in New Delhi is a huge step for para-athletics in India, and I’m eager to put on a great performance for our supporters.”
New Talent on the Rise
While India’s iconic names, including double Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, will be missing from this event, the Grand Prix offers an exciting platform for emerging para-athletes to make their mark.
This competition will be crucial in shaping India’s next generation of para-athletics stars, many of whom will be aiming to qualify for future global championships.
How to Watch
Fans from around the world can catch all the action live on:
Paralympic Committee of India’s YouTube channel
World Para Athletics Facebook page
With world-class talent, thrilling matchups, and the anticipation of a historic event, the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix is set to be a landmark moment for para-sports in India.