Delhi hosts biggest-ever State Para-Athletics Championships; over 1,000 athletes to compete

Delhi hosts biggest-ever State Para-Athletics Championships; over 1,000 athletes to compete

New Delhi, Feb 5: The 3rd Delhi State Para-Athletics Championships 2025–26 commenced on Thursday at the 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 Shri Divesh Chandra Srivastava (IPS), Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police; Ankit Singh (IPS), DCP, Dwarka; and Neeraj Basoya, MLA (Kasturba Nagar). Shri Satya Babu, Director of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Shri V K Dubey – Chairman – VKDL NPA Advisory Council and member of Hindi Advisory Committee, Home Ministry was also present, underscoring institutional support from the national paralympic body.

Senior office-bearers of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, including President Parul Singh, Vice-President Gaurav Choudhary and Treasurer Lalit Kumar, were present throughout the opening day.

Addressing the gathering, Parul Singh, President, Delhi Paralympic Committee, 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.

Competitions will continue over the next two days, with para-athletes vying for state honours and progression to higher levels of competition.