Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya honored India’s WPAC 2025 medalists, celebrating 22 medals (6 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze) and awarding over ₹1.09 crore for their historic performance.
New Delhi
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday felicitated India’s medal-winning contingent from the World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) 2025, lauding their remarkable performance and unwavering determination that brought unprecedented pride to the nation.
India achieved its best-ever finish in the history of the event, securing 10th place overall with a record 22 medals — 6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports distributed cash awards worth over ₹1.09 crore to recognize the athletes’ efforts.
Addressing the athletes at the felicitation ceremony, Dr. Mandaviya said, “You are not para athletes, but power athletes of Bharat. The passion and courage you have displayed are truly inspiring. You have sent a powerful message to every divyang person that no challenge is insurmountable.” He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had closely followed their performances and was immensely proud of their achievements.
The New Delhi 2025 WPAC, hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was India’s largest-ever para-sport event, featuring over 2,100 participants from 100 nations across 186 medal events. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president Devendra Jhajharia credited the success to the collective efforts of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry, noting that India received international praise for its world-class organization and facilities.
Athletes including Sumit Antil, Sailesh Kumar, and Preeti Pal commended the MONDO track, medical facilities, and volunteer support, calling them key to their success.
Mandaviya concluded by saying, “You have turned disability into determination and proven that strong intent can make wheelchairs into wings.”