Delhi hosts biggest-ever State Para-Athletics Championships; over 1,000 athletes to compete
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE
The 3rd Delhi State Para-Athletics Championships 2025–26 commenced at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, with over 1,000 para-athletes expected to take part during the three-day championship, reflecting the expanding scale of para-sports in the national capital.
Organised by the Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi (DPSA Delhi), the championships will run till February 7, featuring track and field events across Under-12, Under-17 (Sub-Junior), Under-19 (Junior) and Above-19 (Senior) categories.
The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including the special commissioner of police, Delhi, Divesh Chandra Srivastava; DCP, Dwarka Ankit Singh and MLA (Kasturba Nagar), Neeraj Basoya. The director of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Satya Babu and – Chairman – VKDL NPA Advisory Council and member of Hindi Advisory Committee, Home Ministry, V K Dubey were also present, underscoring institutional support from the national paralympic body.
Senior office-bearers of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, including the president Parul Singh, vice-president Gaurav Choudhary and treasurer Lalit Kumar, were present throughout the opening day.
Addressing the gathering, Parul Singh said the championships play a critical role in strengthening the competitive pipeline for para-athletes.
“The scale of participation in this championship is extremely encouraging and reflects the determination of para-athletes across age groups. Their zeal, courage and commitment to sport are deeply inspiring. As an organisation, we remain committed to doing our utmost to create sustained opportunities, competitive exposure and a supportive environment that enables athletes with disabilities to realise their full potential,” she said.
MLA Neeraj Basoya highlighted the importance of translating policy intent into on-ground opportunities.
“Schemes like Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana reflect a shift towards empowerment through self-reliance. Sporting platforms like this provide confidence, visibility and opportunity to athletes with disabilities,” he said.
