Brisbane Welcomes the World as the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships Officially Opens

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The spirit of inclusion and excellence came alive in Brisbane as the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships officially opened at the Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre. With vibrant colours, cultural performances, and the energy of athletes from around the world, the opening ceremony set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport and humanity.

Athletes from 31 nations — Brazil, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Macau, Malaysia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Neutal Athletes, Soloman Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Papa New Guinea, United Stated of America and Australia — proudly paraded through the amphitheatre, carrying their national flags high.

Cultural performance paying tribute to the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the traditional custodians of the land. Photo Credit: SIA

The evening began with a powerful Welcome to Country, paying tribute to the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the traditional custodians of the land, followed by a stunning cultural performance by Yeremy Gundia, who showcased the artistry and spirit of the host nation through fire and dance.

The Australian national anthem, performed by Emma Tomlinson and the Yeronga State School Choir, filled the venue with emotion and unity.

Dr. Christian Rowan MP, Assistant Minister to the Premier and Leader of the House in the Queensland Parliament, delivered an inspiring opening address on behalf of the Queensland Government.

“Brisbane is hosting more than 300 athletes from 31 nations in what will be a fantastic exhibition of talent, teamwork, and determination. To reach this stage means that you are already amongst the best in the world. Over the coming days, you’ll have the chance to push your limits, aim for a medal and achieve your personal best. But even beyond that, simply being here and participating is something that you can extract. You can be extremely proud of it.”

He highlighted the legacy of Queensland’s iconic venues such as QSAC, which has hosted many historic sporting moments, and reminded athletes that their achievements will help shape the path to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Virtus Secretary General Barry Holman followed with an emotional address celebrating the unity of the Virtus family and the global power of inclusive sport.

“It’s always such a pleasure to see the Virtus family of nations gathered together. Make no mistake — you are among the world’s best at what you do, and the world can’t wait to see what you achieve in the coming days.”

Holman paid tribute to the long-standing partnership with Sport Inclusion Australia, commending their leadership in hosting Virtus events in Brisbane, from the 2019 Global Games to the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games, and now the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

He also recognised Virtus athletes Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac and Lenine Cunha, who competed at the 2005 Championships in Canberra and continue to inspire a new generation of athletes.

“You two have a 20-year career representing your country at the highest levels of sport and you are an inspiration to all these athletes here at Brisbane tonight,” Holman told the athletes.”

Robyn Smith OAM, CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia, extended a heartfelt welcome to all participants, partners, and volunteers.

“Tonight, we celebrate you — the athletes. You are the reason we are here. You represent the very best of what sport stands for — determination, high performance, respect, and humanity.”

Smith acknowledged the support of the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and the Brisbane City Council, whose commitment to inclusion has enabled Brisbane to host three major Virtus events in recent years.

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sport federations, including Athletics Australia, Queensland Athletics, and the Oceania Athletics Association, for helping to elevate the standard of inclusive sport.

In a touching moment, Smith honoured Indigenous artist Elsa, whose artwork features on the official championship uniforms, symbolising connection, heritage, and unity through art.

“Events like this remind us that sport has the power to connect us all. As Brisbane looks ahead to hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this event builds the legacy of inclusion — one where every athlete has a place in sport.”

Emma Tomlinson performing “The Fire” at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championship. Photo Credit: SIA

The evening continued with a spectacular performance of “The Fire” by Emma Tomlinson and the All Abilities Dance Group, followed by cultural performances from Auntie Maureen Ann, the Papua New Guinea performers, and the Local Bird of Paradise group, captivating the crowd with their energy and artistry.

The ceremony concluded with athletes Talea Blacksmith and Liam Griffith leading the Athletes’ Oath, marking the official start of the championships.

Barry Holman, Secretary General of Virtus and Robyn Smith OAM announced the championship open.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted in applause, one message rang clear across Brisbane: the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships is more than a competition — it is a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Further information about the event and live results can be accessed from the competition website.

Zileide Cassiano Shines in Women’s T20 Long Jump Finale, Defeats Paralympic Champion Karolina Kucharczyk to Claim Gold

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The final day of the Indian Oil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi delivered a dramatic finish, as the Women’s T20 Long Jump event brought the stadium to its feet with a thrilling display of athletic excellence, emotion, and resilience.

The lineup featured some of the world’s most accomplished athletes — two-time Paralympic Champion Karolina Kucharczyk (POL), Paris 2024 silver medalist and Kobe 2024 World Champion Zileide Cassiano da Silva (BRA), and Paris 2024 bronze medalist Fatma Damla (TUR) — among others, all ready to battle for the final gold medal of the championship.

From the opening round, Brazil’s Zileide Cassiano set the tone with a stunning 5.88m jump, immediately taking the lead. Kucharczyk followed closely with 5.49m, while Turkey’s Fatma Damla surged in her third attempt with 5.68m, pushing the Polish champion down to third.

The final ranking was just a medal swapping of the Paris 2024 Paralympics podium finish.

(L-R) Zileide Cassiano, Karolina Kucharczyk (POL) and Fatma Damla (TUR), posing with their medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: Bartłomiej Zborowski/Polski Komitet Paralimpijski

Despite a determined effort from her rivals, Cassiano held her ground to secure gold and successfully defend her Kobe 2024 World Title — an emotional and hard-fought victory for the Brazilian, who revealed she had been battling injury in the weeks leading up to the event.

“I feel fulfilled, because I struggled a lot to be here. I’ve been training for only four weeks and I injured my knee. Regardless of the podium position, I already felt like a winner — this gold medal just made it perfect,” Cassiano said after her win.

The Brazilian champion described her triumph in one powerful word — “overcoming.”

“I spent three months without being able to jump. To come here, compete, and win — it’s about overcoming. I dedicate this medal first to God, then to my family, my coach, Guilherme, my psychologist, and everyone who supported me at the Paralympic Committee of Brazil.”

Reflecting on defeating two-time Paralympic champion Karolina Kucharczyk, Cassiano spoke with deep respect:

“For me, Karolina is an example. She opened doors for us. She’s overcome so much — being a mother, returning to compete at this level — she inspires me. I’m just happy to be here among athletes like her.”

Cassiano plans to celebrate back home in Brazil:

“We’re flying home tonight — I’ll celebrate with my family. I can’t wait to see them.”

Turkey’s Fatma Damla claimed silver with 5.72m, marking her best-ever finish at a World Championships.

Reflecting on her event, Fatma said,

“I’m so happy that I got the silver medal. I was a bombshell at the event. It was perfect. I practised very hard, and so I was expecting to defeat Karolina. My next target is to win the gold in Los Angeles won!,” Fatma told Virtus. 

“I’m going to eat something sweet and celebrate my silver medal. I’ve lost weight, so it’s ok.”

Meanwhile, Poland’s Karolina Kucharczyk, battling through an ankle injury, secured bronze with 5.49m — a testament to her resilience and experience.

“I am happy. The atmosphere was wonderful — a little hot, but it didn’t affect my performance. This bronze is like a gold medal for me because I had an ankle injury and couldn’t train for two months,” Kucharczyk told Virtus.

The Paralympic legend also shared a glimpse into her life beyond the track:

“Honestly, sport is like an escape from the babies!” she laughed.

“I love my children — my son Casper loves football and sometimes tries running too. He says he hates that I’m away, but he loves that I have two Paralympic golds!”

Kucharczyk will soon head to Brisbane for the Virtus World Championships, where she aims to return to the top of the podium:

“No celebrations yet — maybe after I win gold in Brisbane,” she said with a smile.

The Women’s T20 Long Jump marked a fitting finale to a championship that showcased not only world-class athletic performance but also the spirit of perseverance, respect, and inspiration that defines para sport.

As many athletes will head to Brisbane for the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships, Virtus wishes them all the best.

Brannigan Defends Title and Breaks Championship Record in Men’s T20 1500m at New Delhi 2025

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The second last day of the Indian Oil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi witnessed an electrifying showdown in the Men’s T20 1500m final.

Japan’s rising star Natsuki Toda took an early lead, setting a fast pace from the gun. But it was only a matter of time before Michael Brannigan, the reigning World Champion and Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medallist, made his move. With his trademark surge in the final lap, Brannigan accelerated powerfully to overtake Toda and storm across the finish line — defending his world title in spectacular fashion.

The American clocked 3:50.44, smashing his own Championship Record set in Kobe 2024 (3:51.71), while Toda finished second with a brilliant debut performance, just 2.01 seconds behind.

“I didn’t know that I was going to break the Championship record — I just did it. I really shone on the track, and I am so proud of myself for doing this. I want to thank my coach, Sonia, and the USA Track and Field team for all the support. I couldn’t have done this without them. They believed in me, and it paid off. I’m enjoying this and having fun,” Brannigan told Virtus.

“I let the Japanese lead in the first laps and patiently ran at the back, waiting for the right moment. I keep training hard, practising strategies over and over, keeping that determination. I want to thank God for blessing me.”

For Toda, who was competing in his first World Championships, the silver medal marked a promising beginning to his international career.

“This silver medal means a lot to me because this is my first championship. I think I had a strong debut. I want to practice more and come back stronger”, Toda told Virtus.

In the battle for bronze, Sandro Baessa (POR) narrowly edged out Ndiega Dieng (ITA), finishing in 3:55.00 after a thrilling sprint to the line.

The final day of the Championships will see the Women’s T20 Long Jump, where two-time Paralympic Champion Karolina Kucharczyk (POL) is expected to headline the competition.

French Officials Calls for Inclusion of Athletes with Intellectual Impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympics

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Marc Truffaut, President of the French Federation of Adapted Sports (FFSA) and Virtus, together with Sandrine Chaix, Vice President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and delegate for disability, have launched a powerful call for the reinclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympic Games.

This call is backed by Marie-Amélie Le Fur, President of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF), and Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, underlining the strength and unity behind this historic movement.

Virtus fully supports this initiative and urges the global sporting community, partners, and citizens to sign the statement in support of inclusion.

Why This Matters

Athletes with intellectual impairments have been absent from the Winter Paralympics since Nagano 1998. Yet they are here. They train, they compete, and they excel—particularly in alpine skiing and Nordic skiing.

Virtus represents more than 500,000 athletes from over 90 nations, while in France alone, FFSA supports more than 66,000 members. These athletes have already demonstrated their excellence on the global stage such as the Virtus Global Games (the world’s largest elite event for athletes with intellectual impairments), Virtus Regional Games and Virtus World Alpine and Nordic Skiing Championships, hosted in France in 2025 on FIS-approved slopes.

These achievements prove one clear point: Adapted sport is high-performance sport—not a sport apart.

The Moment is Now

On 24 July 2024, during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, the French Alps were awarded the XXVI Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. With the Games coming to home soil, the opportunity to make history has never been greater.

France has the vision, the infrastructure, the expertise, and now the chance to close the last gap in Paralympic inclusion by welcoming back athletes with intellectual impairments.

A Call to Action

This is more than a sporting issue. It is a matter of human dignity, inclusion, and civic recognition.

We invite federations, athletes, educators, families, journalists, sponsors, influencers, and citizens to sign this statement of support. Together, we can ensure that France seizes this historic opportunity and becomes the nation that welcomes back athletes with intellectual disabilities to the Paralympic Winter Games.

By hosting the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, France proved it can lead. And now the host wants to complete the story of true inclusion and equal opportunity by including the only impairment that is still missing at the Winter Games editions: athletes with an intellectual impairment, who deserve their place on the world stage.

Statement to sign:

Barros Dethrones Barbara & Breaks 15-Year-Old World Record in T20 Women’s 1500m

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The sixth day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi witnessed history being made in the Women’s T20 1500m.

A rain delay did little to dampen the charged atmosphere inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The crowd erupted as a world-class lineup entered the track: Paralympic medalists Liudmyla Danylina (UKR), Antonia Keyla da Silva Barros (BRA), Hannah Taunton (GBR), five-time Paralympic champion Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac (POL), Annabelle Colman (AUS), Kako Taunton (GBR), Kaitlin Bounds (USA), Yuna Fujiwara (JPN), Florianne Lantoine (FRA), and Pavlina Absolonova (CZE).

As expected, Barbara — the reigning World and Championship record holder — surged ahead, leading the race with her trademark control. But towards the final lap, Brazil’s Antonia Silva Barros began to close the gap. With sheer determination and explosive acceleration, she stormed past the Polish legend, crossing the line with a massive 10-second lead.

In doing so, Barros ended Barbara’s long-standing dominance, breaking her golden streak that stretched across a decade — and broke her 15-year-old World Record from 2012 (4:23.37) with a sensational 4:19.22.

Speaking to Virtus, an emotional Barros said:
“I studied Barbara’s style of running very hard. She has the same strategy as me, and she will run the same as me so I had to do something different towards the end to defeat her, and that’s what I did today. It was a lifetime experience for me with this great win. I will keep working hard to become the world champion again.”

Outlining her plan, she explained, “I was expecting to be in front in the first 800m or 600m because I knew she is very strong with her finish, so I didn’t want her to have the chance to win in the last minute. So my strategy was to run fast and stay with her from the beginning and run as fast as I can in the end.”

Barros dedicated her historic medal to a loved one,  “I would like to dedicate this medal to my grandmother. She is not with us anymore but the strength I have comes from her. She gave me the power to come here and win.”

And on her celebration plans, “I will celebrate this medal with my team, my coach, my physio and my girlfriend tonight. When I go back to Brazil, I want to go to a waterfall and enjoy, to be offline and rest a bit because I really need it.”

Barbara secured silver in 4:29.60, while Australia’s Annabelle Colman claimed bronze with 4:35.56.

Full results can be accessed from here.

David Jose Pineda Mejia Sprints to Glory with Championship Record in Men’s T20 400m Final

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The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi erupted with energy as the finals of the Men’s T20 400m took center stage at the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. It was a clash of champions, featuring Rio 2016 gold medalist Daniel Martins (BRA), Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Charles-Antonio Kouakou (FRA), Paris 2024 silver medalist David Jose Pineda Mejia (ESP), and Saudi Arabia’s rising star Idris Sufyani (KSA).

The race delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Martins surged ahead after the 200m mark, only to be challenged by Pineda at the 300m. As the two battled stride for stride, Sufyani powered forward to join the fight for medals. In the final stretch, it was Pineda who stormed across the finish line, clocking a blistering 47.12s to secure his first World Championship gold — and set a new Championship Record. Remarkably, he had broken his own record twice in two days, first in the heats and then again in the final.

Speaking to Virtus Sport after the race, an elated Pineda said,

“I knew it was going to be a pretty fast race, like the semifinals yesterday. I was trying to be on the first few until the 300m because I know I can give a stronger finish and win the race. I am feeling great. I am happy that I was able to improve the record. Today, the weather helped me a lot. I was not able to go under 47, but maybe next time.”

Reflecting on his race strategy, he added:

For Pineda, this medal carries deep significance, “This medal is very important for me as I set my goals at the beginning of this season for this championship. The truth is that I wanted the world record, but it seems like I have to go after it another year. It was one of my long-term objectives. I would like to dedicate this medal to my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t be doing athletics today. I am going to celebrate this medal with my people, my family, and my training group.”

Silver went to Daniel Martins, who delivered a powerful performance that confirmed his resurgence in the T20 400m. The Brazilian, visibly proud, said,

“It’s the weights I have lifted for two or three years, and now I have won the silver medal, what a joy. Brazilian flag will be on the podium, so I am even happier.”

The Rio champion reflected on his evolution as an athlete:
“I am much more mature now. I am still the same Daniel from Rio 2016, but a lot happier, with a better head.”

He also praised the new generation,
“There are a lot of new athletes coming up now, young and very talented ones. We (senior athletes) have to prepare twice as much as they do. Rivalry is on the track, but outside the track, we joke, we laugh and maintain friendship.”

Martin dedicated his silver to his supporters, “I want to dedicate this medal to my god, my family, my friends, to my sponsors and to all Brazilians. We have to enjoy this win, run in the rain and enjoy. I am going to eat a big cake tonight and enjoy my victory with my friends.”

Idris Sufyani of Saudi Arabia claimed the bronze medal with an impressive 47.55s, sealing his place among the world’s best in this electrifying final.

Sabrina Fortune Takes Her Fourth World Title With A Record From New Delhi 2025

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The third day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi turned into another unforgettable showcase for athletes with intellectual impairment. Despite the scorching heat, competitors brought their very best, delivering record-breaking performances and emotional milestones.

Sabrina Fortune Smashes World Record in F20 Women’s Shot Put

Britain’s 28-year-old Sabrina Fortune continued her reign of dominance, successfully defending her World Championship crown to win her fourth global title. Having already triumphed in Dubai 2019, Paris 2023, and Kobe 2023, the “golden girl” of shot put went even further this time — literally. Fortune hurled the shot an astonishing 16.75m, a full meter beyond her previous World Record.

Clearly elated, she confessed her surprise to Virtus,

“It was crazy. I wasn’t expecting that at all. We were told to just go and do a simple throw and that simple throw turned out to be a bit further than what I was expecting. I can’t point a word to how happy and proud I am to get that. I wanted to get 16m, but to go beyond it was just mental.”

Breaking the record on her very first attempt only added to the drama,

“I was very surprised to break the World Record in the first throw. I was like, it’s ok, it’s…but then when I watched it go, I was like ‘what was that?’ I was just over the moon. I was expecting to break it maybe in the last throw, but not the first throw. It seems like I am just getting a rhythm of getting it in the first throw after Paris 2023.”

Even though adrenaline made it hard to maintain consistency, she achieved exactly what she came for,

“I wanted to break it again, but there is just so much adrenaline that you end up falling off a bit. Whereas I just wanted to keep going, but as long as it stayed closer to 16m, I was happy. I did what I came here to do, so I was just really, really happy to get that.”

Teenage Breakthrough: Keskin Wins Turkey’s First Medal in T20 Field Events

Ebrar Keskin posing with her silver medal from the 2025 Virtus European Indoor Championship, Espoo. Photo Credit: TOSSFED

Turkey’s 18-year-old Ebrar Keskin also made history, capturing her nation’s first-ever T20 field event medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. She sealed silver with her very first attempt, a throw of 13.80m, announcing herself as a rising star.

Brimming with pride, she said:

“I am very happy and proud of myself. We (Turkey) got a medal for the first time in the T20 field events at World Para Athletics. This is a great achievement, so I am very happy. More to come in LA 2028 with the World Record hopefully.”

The teenager admitted she came prepared and expected a medal, though not silver:

“I came prepared, so I was expecting a medal. I was expecting a bronze medal, but to get silver, I want to thank God for this. I want to dedicate this medal to my mom.”

Her sights are now firmly set on Los Angeles:

“My ultimate goal is to set a world record at LA2028.”

Aleksandra Zaitseva (NPA) completed the podium with bronze, recording 13.74m.

Pineda Mejia Breaks Championship Record in T20 Men’s 400m

David Pineda Jose posing after his Paris 2024 win. Photo Credit: Jose Penida/NPC Spain

The morning heats of the T20 Men’s 400m produced yet another record-breaking story. Pineda Mejia stormed to first place in his heat, blissfully unaware that he had just smashed the Championship record. The Paris 2024 silver medalist seems like heading towards another victory at New Delhi 2025.

When Virtus reporter Mousumi Mazumdar broke the news to him, his joy was uncontainable:

“I actually felt pretty good, but I didn’t know that I had broken a record. I had a pretty easy, comfortable and fast race. I knew at the end I was going to go quite fast, which I liked. It meant it was going well. In the final part, I accelerated a little and went faster. I still have room for improvement, but I am happy.”

Joining Mejia in the finals are Idris Sufyani (KSA), Alfin Nomleni (INA), Daniel Martins (BRA), Rodriguez Ramirez (ESP), Charles-Antonio Kouakou (FRA), Md. Nor Azmi (MAS), and Daniel Antonio (POR). The showdown is set for September 30, where one last race will decide who stands atop the podium.

Full results can be accessed from here.

Latif Romly Breaks His Seven Year Old World Record At New Delhi 2025

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The second day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships saw the F20 Men’s Long Jump light up the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with world-class performances and record-breaking feats.

The event featured a stellar lineup — World Record holder and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medalist Latif Romly (MAS), Paralympic champion Matvei Iakushev (NPA), Paris 2024 bronze medalist Jhon Sebastian Obando Asprilla (COL), and Virtus ambassador Lenine Cunha (POR) — all battling for a place on the podium.

From the very first attempt, Malaysian star Latif Romly stamped his authority. Soaring to 7.61m, he shattered the championship record previously held by Ranki Oberoi from 2019. Romly then went one step further, rewriting history by breaking his own seven-year-old World Record (7.64m) with a massive 7.67m jump. The superstar is expecting a baby soon and dedicated his medal to his wife and their soon-to-arrive child.

Thrilled by his performance, Romly told Virtus,

“I’m very satisfied with my performance today because I was able to break two records (Championship and World record) here in New Delhi. I would like to dedicate this medal to my wife and my children. Balancing training and giving time to my wife and baby, which is coming soon, both are important, and the key is discipline.”

Behind him, Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Dawshi produced a strong 7.20m leap to secure second place, while Roberto Carlos Chala of Colombia clinched his first-ever World Championship medal, silver, with a personal best of 7.36m. His third attempt sealed the bronze, marking a career milestone. Hassan won silver at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Matvei Iakushev (NPA), renowned for his unpredictable and explosive style, secured the bronze medal after a dramatic turnaround. Failing to clear his first two attempts, he kept the crowd on edge before making a strong comeback in his third jump with 6.97m. He then pushed further in his fourth attempt, registering a season’s best of 7.22m — enough to climb the rankings and claim the bronze.

Colombian jumper Jhon Sebastian Obando Asprilla reached 6.81m on his first attempt, ranking himself in the top three early in the contest before eventually finishing outside the medals.

Veteran athlete Lenine Cunha of Portugal, a proud Virtus ambassador, finished eighth but left the field with immense pride. At 42 years old, he shared,

“I am 42 years old now and finished 8th out of 15 best athletes. This is a gold medal for me. I hope Virtus friends can see me and be inspired because it’s never too late to try. I missed the Paralympic Games qualification time last year, but now I am here ranking 8th, so never give up.”

Reflecting on the competition, Cunha praised the rising talents:

“The competition is very strong. There are so many new athletes, from South Korea, from the Philippines, and there is a new guy from Portugal, too. This is good for both Para Athletics and Virtus.”

The F20 Men’s Long Jump not only crowned a new world record holder but also showcased the depth, spirit, and resilience of para athletics on the grand stage of New Delhi.

Full results can be viewed from here.

Twenty Year Old, Aysel Shatters Her Own World Record At New Delhi 2025

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IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships started with a bang for the athletes with an intellectual impairment, as Aysel Onder set a new World Record in T20 Women’s 400m on the first day of the championship.

Twenty-year-old Aysel Onder, representing Turkiye, shattered her own World Record from last year, 54.96 sec, to a new Record time of 54.51 sec. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Silver medalist lost the gold at Kobe 2024 by just a few seconds to India’s Deepthi Jeevanji. However, she turned her silver into gold at New Delhi 2025, claiming her first-ever World Championship gold.

“I feel perfect about my race. The heats went well for me in the morning, and I am happy that I could run 54.51 in the finals. I never imagined that I would become a World Champion at this young age.”

Aysel believes that all the competitors she ran with are great, but the biggest challenge for her is herself, and she keeps trying to defeat her own expectations.

Deepthi Jeevangi wins silver for the host country

Deepthi Jeevanji at New Delhi 2025. Photo Credit: PCI

Host runner, Deepthi Jeevanji, who is a 22-year-old, qualified for the medal round with the first position in the Women’s 400m T20 event heat 2 in the morning.

The 22-year-old Telangana-born athlete secured the first position in the second heat of Round 1 of the Women’s 400m T20 event. She took 58.35 seconds, which is her season’s best performance. In the finals, Jeevanji won silver, defeated by Ukraine’s Yullia Shuliar (56.29), the Paris 2024 gold medalist.

“I am happy to win the silver medal here in New Delhi, in front of Indian supporters.“

Full results can be accessed from here.

2025 World Para Athletics Championships Kicks Off at New Delhi

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In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships would reaffirm India’s image as a “sporting and inclusive” nation. The grand opening ceremony took place on 25th September at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Welcoming the 2,200 competitors from more than 100 nations, PM Modi remarked:

“By breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, para athletes have played a vital role in strengthening India’s identity as a rising sporting hub, motivating millions to embrace sports as a way of life.”

India now joins Qatar (2015), UAE (2019), and Japan (2024) as the fourth Asian nation to host the prestigious event, organised by the Paralympics Committee of India.

Expressing pride in hosting the championship, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Prime Minister of New Delhi said:

“Sport has a great way of connecting people, transcending all barriers of religion, region and nationality. In today’s world, it is all the more important to emphasise this unifying aspect of sport. I am sure the WPAC will have a similar impact on all the participants and spectators.”

Kangana Ranaut (MP), Rashmi Govil (Representative from Indian Oil), Hari Ranjan Rao IAS (Sports Secretary), Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Sports Minister), Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Paul Fitzgerald (Head of WPA). Photo Credit: Paralympic Committee of India

The vibrant opening event was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, MP Smt. Kangana Ranaut, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, and World Para Athletics President Mr Paul Fitzgerald.

WPAC 2025 is the first international event to be staged on the brand-new Mondo track at the Nehru Stadium. The track — identical to the one used at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and designed in shades of blue — was inaugurated by Dr Mandaviya on August 29, National Sports Day. Alongside, a Mondo warm-up track and a multi-speciality gym capable of accommodating 200 athletes at once were also unveiled.

Cultural program showcasing different dance forms of India. Photo Credit: PCI

Dr Mandaviya, who declared the championships open, highlighted India’s largest-ever contingent: “For India, these world para athletics championships are about pride, progress, and purpose. We have assembled our largest-ever para contingent of 74 athletes, a testament to how deeply para-sports have taken root in the country. Champions such as Sumit Antil, Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, Dharambir Nain, and Praveen Kumar will compete on home ground.”

The competition begins on September 27, with 186 gold medals at stake. Mr Fitzgerald noted,

“Spectators inside the stadium and a global audience around the world will experience the brilliance of the athletes competing in newly renovated facilities designed to maximise their skill, speed and strength. Yes, world records will be broken. Yes, world champions will be crowned. But not every athlete will achieve their dream of being on the podium with their national anthem playing. There will be many triumphs but also many disappointments. I invite everyone to experience all of the emotions with the athletes.”

The championships also mark India’s growing ambition to host major global sporting events. Dr Mandaviya revealed, “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. As the Prime Minister has said, ‘Sport not only creates champions; it also promotes peace, progress and wellness.’ That is the guiding light of our sporting journey.”

He further emphasised the broader impact of WPAC and said, “Yet beyond infrastructure or ambition lies a deeper legacy: a transformed mind-set. 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.”

India’s para athletes, including Paralympic medallists and world champions, are expected to thrive on home soil. At the Kobe edition in 2024, India delivered its best-ever WPAC performance with 17 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, 6 bronze), finishing sixth overall. The 2023 Paris championships had already seen a record 10 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze), laying the groundwork for this moment.

PM Modi hailed their resilience, “The remarkable performances of para athletes have redefined the meaning of resilience and determination, inspiring both sportspersons and common people across the world. Their achievements have ignited a collective belief that no challenge is impossible to overcome.”

Athletes with an intellectual impairment will be competing in T20 and F20 events: 400m, 1500m, Shot-put, Long jump and in a new track event, T20 800m. Star athletes like Maksym Koval (UKR), Yuliia Shuliar (UKR), Aysel Onder (TUR), Deepthi Jeevanji (IND), Ben Sandilands (GBR), Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac (POL), Abdul Latif Romly (MAL), Karolina Kucharczyk-Urbanska (POL), along with many others, will be making their appearance at New Delhi 2025.

More information can be found on the event website.