The successful hosting of the 2025 National Para Athletics Championship is a gigantic stride that India has made towards its quest for a sport for all and an inclusive and equitable society. The event was Organised in association with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), under whose logo it was conducted. The event allowed para-athletes respite, as they had a chance to compete nationally, highlighting the support for disability sports in India. It reminded the value of fairness in athletics and encouraged a passion for achieving success among competitors.
With Haryana leading the way in the number of medals, the state once again proved to be a powerhouse of Indian para-athletics. In its structured training programs, its attractions for athletes worldwide, its financial incentives and investments in infrastructure, the state demonstrated commitment to creating world-class athletes with disabilities. Haryana’s para-athletes have done exceptionally well in several disciplines, including track and field events, throwing competitions, breaking records, and motivating a new generation of differently-abled sportspersons. Their accomplishments demonstrate an individual high and the success of Haryana’s sports policy and the impartiality towards para-athletics.
The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship: An Overview
The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship, which took place from February 17th to 20th, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, showcased a magnificent congregation of talent. Conducted under the auspices of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Tamil Nadu Paralympic Sports Association (TNPSA), the championship saw 1,476 para-athletes from 30 states and union territories compete in 155 events.
Notable persons attended, including PCI President Devendra Jhajharia and TNPSA President Chandrasekar Rajan. The championship went smoothly thanks to their efforts and unflinching support from the Tamil Nadu government, especially Deputy Chief Minister and State Minister for Sports Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Haryana’s Dominance: A Testament to Excellence
The Haryana athletes performed outstandingly, bagging 106 medals, including 49 gold, 32 silver, and 25 bronze. Haryana made this superb achievement by bringing home the overall trophy of the championship, which is a true reflection of the state’s dedication to honing the athletic talent of persons with disabilities.
Key Performances by Haryana Athletes
- Men’s Discus Throw F37: Haryana got a clean sweep in this category. Bhavishay tossed a 44.27m to take gold, edging out Haney, who got silver with a 44.13m throw. The bronze went to Ankit, who completed the podium.
- Men’s Discus Throw F51: Dharambir of Haryana won the gold medal with the best throw of 10.91 meters.
- Club Throw F32/F51 Event: Defending world champion Ekta Bhyan maintained her supremacy as she pegged a throw of 20.14m to clinch gold. Many aspiring para-athletes look up to her for her sheer spirit of excellence.
- Men’s Long Jump T45/T46/T47 Finals: Haryana’s Vikas, with a jump of 6.75 meters, edged over the bar and was declared the winner on narrow margins against his competitors.
- Men’s Shot Put F37 Category: Manu of Haryana won a medal at the top and excelled by throwing 12.17 meters weight and lifting the gold medal.
- Men’s 400m T11 category: Madan from Haryana won the gold medal with a timing of 57.16s.
- Men’s 400m T13 race: Ashish finished with 54.35 seconds, giving Haryana another gold and showcasing the state’s dominance in track events.
The performances reflect individual commitment and effort and Haryana’s supportive infrastructure to promote para-athletes.
Haryana Leading the Way in Para Sports
The number of medals won by Haryana athletes at the National Para Athletics Championship is proof of the state’s far-sighted sports policies and infrastructure development. Haryana’s Chief Minister has always favoured the cause of sportsmen and players with incapacity and ensured the availability of world-class training services, teaching, and financial assistance.
Programs like specialised coaching camps, grassroots-level talent identification, and financial incentives have generated conditions for the success and growth of para-athletes. The state’s sports policy has provisions for:
- Financial Support: Athletes are motivated to perform well in national and international competitions, with scholarships and cash awards for the medal winners.
- Infrastructure Development: Establishing advanced training centres with facilities suited to para-athletes enables them to train by global norms.
- Inclusive Policies: Promoting inclusion of para-athletes in mainstream sports events and granting them platforms to display their talent.
These targeted initiatives have enhanced the performance of Haryana’s para-athletes and transformed the state into a torchbearer for inclusivity in sports.
The Road Ahead
These performances at the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship prepare the ground for the forthcoming journey in British Para Sports. Advancing this momentum requires a multidimensional strategy:
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Improve Grassroots Development
It is essential to identify, recruit and retain talent early on. Schools and local sports clubs encourage para-sports children with disabilities to provide competitive and training opportunities.
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Strengthening Coaching and Support Systems
Investing in coaches who specialise in para-sports will improve our athletes’ mentorship quality. Furthermore, para-athletes also require assistance services, including physiotherapy, nutrition counselling, and psychological support for their all-around growth.
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Promoting Public Awareness and Inclusivity
There is an urgent need for more intensive media projects on para-sports coupled with public campaigns that promote greater exposure for para-athletes at public and grassroots levels and create a more informed public about para-sports in general and adaptive sports in particular. Highlighting the accomplishments of para-athletes and sharing their stories can inspire the participation of others and create pathways to inclusion.
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Expanding Infrastructure
Though much has been accomplished, ongoing investment in inclusive sports environments is critical. As long as training facilities are prepared to accommodate the needs of athletes with disabilities, they will have everything they need to succeed properly.
Conclusion
In a landmark move for the future of para-sports in India, the National Para Athletics Championship 2025 has set the bar high. The event also displayed the incredible potential of para-athletes and showed the progress made in recent years to include sports for those disabled in the broader society. With relentless efforts of organisations like the Paralympic Committee of India and relentless support from state governments like Haryana, para-athletics in India is at an inflexion point to grow at an unprecedented scale. The championship has been about sport and a significant statement about perceptions of disability in society, reaffirming that talent, determined effort, and ability know no physical bounds.
There must be greater press on taping workout centres, accessibility, and giving para-athletes more opportunities to compete globally. The Haryana success story inspires other states to invest in para-sports and build an ecosystem for differently abled sportspersons. India strives for a better tomorrow for disabled sports, and the need of the hour is organising national events such as the National Para Athletics Championship so that a reality can be established where every other athlete is viewed on an equal turf irrespective of ability and garners the respect and support they deserve.
