India unveils medals for IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

India’s countdown to hosting one of the most spectacular sporting events in its history picked up breathtaking momentum as the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) unveiled the stunning medals for the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships at Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi. 

This milestone event, taking place from September 27 to October 5, 2025, will see over 2,200 Para athletes and team staff from 104 countries converging to compete across 184 medal events – the grandest Para sport gathering ever hosted in India.

The front side of the medal features intricate motifs inspired by traditional Indian art, centring on the championship’s name and Para athletics icons: a wheelchair racer, a discus thrower, and the lotus – India’s national flower. The other side highlights inclusivity, with Braille above the “New Delhi 2025” inscription, a lotus-inspired pattern, and bold modern geometric details. 

The song "Udaan Bhar," featuring rap elements, was launched during the medal unveiling event for the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Produced by Polaris Production in association with PCI, the video showcases Indian athletes performing and demonstrating their talent, capturing the spirit of resilience and inspiration central to Para sports.

PCI President Shri Devendra Jhajharia said: 

“Unveiling these medals marks the beginning of a historic journey. They celebrate not just victory but the ethos of effort, inclusivity, and resilience. Hosting athletes from 104 countries, New Delhi is poised to deliver a world-class championships that inspires all”.

Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, added:

“We are thrilled to see the first major championships of the new Paralympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028 being hosted in New Delhi. The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will be the largest international para-sport event ever held in India.”

They’re coming from all around the world to shine at #NewDelhi2025. Here are the 5 teams with the most athletes. Plenty of ambition in these squads, and we’ll see it all play out on the track & field! 🌍#ParaAthletics #NewDelhi2025

🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/wG49NUwrn2

— Para Athletics (@ParaAthletics) September 18, 2025

Fitzgerald also emphasised the impact the World Championships can have to grow the sport and increase opportunities for persons with disabilities in the host nation. 

“The unveiling of these unique medals, blending traditional Indian motifs with symbols of athletic achievement and accessibility, underscores the event’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural pride. This is a massive opportunity to grow our sport, expand our fan base, and positively impact society’s perception of persons with disabilities in the world’s most populous nation. India’s incredible progress in para-athletics over the last decade is inspiring, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best athletes to India”.

Smt. Vanathi Srinivasan, MLA and Chief Patron of PCI, said: “These medals tell stories of courage and perseverance. India welcomes the world with open arms, promising accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence. This championship is a powerful message – Para athletes are shaping history”.

Paralympic gold medallist Navdeep Singh took part in the event, alongside some of his teammates who will be competing in front of the home fans. 

“Every time I look at this medal, I see the drive to push harder. Winning it on home soil would be a dream for all Para athletes proving that disability is never an end,” Singh said.

Praveen Kumar, India’s Paralympic high jump gold medallist, added:

“Being part of this historic medal unveiling fills me with immense pride and motivation. These medals represent the spirit of every Para athlete’s journey – the challenges, the resilience, and the ultimate triumphs. Competing on home soil with this symbol of achievement will be truly special and inspire me to push my limits even further.”

The medal unveiling ceremony, attended by PCI officials, WPA representatives, athletes, and media, marked the official launch of the countdown to the championships. From 27 September 27 to 5 October, New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will showcase the world’s finest talent in the 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships.