Hosting WPAC 2025 Part of Preparations for CWG, Olympics: Dr Mandaviya

New Delhi, Sept 26: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on Wednesday declared open the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC), calling it a milestone event in India’s sporting journey and a stepping stone toward hosting future global tournaments.

Speaking at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where around 2,200 participants from 100 nations are competing, Dr. Mandaviya said the championship would help India in capacity building as it eyes hosting the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036.

“We are deep into planning for the Commonwealth Games 2030, and we have our eyes set on hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 with ambitions that will accelerate infrastructure, opportunity, and the sporting dreams of countless youth,” he said.

The Minister lauded India’s largest-ever para contingent of 74 athletes, which includes stars like Sumit Antil, Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, Dharambir Nain, and Praveen Kumar, for making the country proud on the global stage.

He further emphasized that WPAC 2025 is about more than medals:

“We will leave behind accessible venues, stronger support systems for para-athletes, and a renewed national conversation around equal opportunity in sport. These are the true outcomes that will endure long after the medals have been awarded.”

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sports as a force that creates champions while promoting peace, progress, and wellness.

The championship is expected to not only strengthen India’s sports infrastructure but also transform mindsets around inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunity in athletics.