World Para Athletics Championships 2025
Syllabus: (UPSC Prelims)
Source: First Post
Context
India is hosting the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 for the first time in New Delhi, inaugurated at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
About the Championships
- The flagship global competition for para-athletes, organised biennially by World Para Athletics under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
- Considered the highest athletics platform after the Paralympics for differently-abled athletes.
Host 2025
- New Delhi, India is the host for the first time.
- Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, upgraded with a world-class Mondo track.
Mascot
- “Viraaj” – a young elephant with a blade prosthesis.
- Represents strength, courage, optimism, inclusivity, and resilience.
Historical Background
- Para athletics began at the Stoke Mandeville Games (1952).
- Included in the 1960 Rome Paralympics.
- The first World Para Athletics Championships took place in 1994 (Berlin, Germany).
Key Features of 2025 Event
- Inclusivity: High-support needs athletes, mixed-gender relay events.
- Logo & symbols: Reflect India’s heritage and values of diversity and equality.
- Significance: Showcases India’s global sporting ambitions and focus on accessibility and inclusivity.
