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Journalism of Courage
India has emerged as a growing force on the para-sports landscape with decent medal hauls at global events like Paralympics and Asian Para Games. However, the Indians have never had a chance to perform in a major event in front of their own, which makes the World Para Athletics Championships starting at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday a significant milestone.
“Indians barely had a chance to perform in front of a crowd that cheered for them. This is a chance for all elite Indian para athletes to finally perform in front of their loved ones,” Paralympic Committee of India secretary Satya Narayan told The Indian Express a day before competitions begin.
Ekta Bhyan, defending champion in the women’s club throw F51 event, believes the opportunity goes beyond the field of play and is significant for representation and inclusion as well. “It’s a very special feeling to compete in front of a home crowd. There’s a different kind of energy and motivation when your own people, familiar faces, in a familiar language, are cheering for you. It’s not just about the competition — it’s about representing our country, our community of people with disabilities, and performing our best,” she tells The Indian Express.
Pranav Soorma, silver medallist at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, is thrilled to be throwing in front of a home crowd. “It’s an exciting feeling. I am having goosebumps thinking about throwing in front of a crowd that will cheer my name. It works as motivation.”
Witnessing some of the greats of para athletics – such as Markus Rehm and Cathrine Debrunner – in action can leave a lasting memory on the mind of a youngster.
“When I was an active para athlete, there was no one to look up to. Now, the youngsters will witness their idols or athletes they have only seen on the television till now in the flesh. You never know from where one gets inspiration,” Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia said. “We have been receiving daily requests from fans who want to attend the World Championships.”
Paralympic gold medallist high jumper Praveen Kumar looks forward to performing in front of a home crowd.
“When we enter the stadium, if there is a noisy crowd, it pumps us up. The World Championships will be the right platform for all para athletes who have started training recently or those who are planning to take up the sport,” he said after training on the newly-laid Mondo track.
Ekta believes the mega event can bring a change in attitude and raise awareness about the Paralympic movement.
“I see this tournament as a huge opportunity for big positive social change, not just to showcase talent but also to bring awareness about the Paralympic movement. Every time we step on the field, we defy negative stereotypes and prejudice and show the world that disability does not mean inability. This is more than just a game — it’s a platform for change and a step towards inclusion.”
India is fielding its largest-ever squad of 73 athletes (54 men and 19 women). This is also the largest-ever contingent fielded by a host nation in the history of the event.
India won 17 medals at the 2024 edition in Kobe – six gold, five silver, and six bronze – registering their best-ever medal haul. Satya Narayan is positive about India going even better this time. “With the preparations we have had and the support of the crowd, I am confident that India will do better than last time and may even enter the top five in the medals tally,” he predicted.
