India Hosts Prestigious World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi
New Delhi is currently the global hub for para-sport, as India proudly hosts the 12th World Para Athletics Championships 2025 from September 27 to October 5. This marks a historic first for the nation, with more than 1,000 athletes from over 100 countries converging at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The championships feature 186 medal events, making it one of the largest para-sport gatherings ever held on Indian soil. For India, this event signifies not just a sporting spectacle but also a moment of pride, inclusion, and global recognition. The stadium has undergone significant upgrades, including a new MONDO track and fully accessible facilities, underscoring India's commitment to athlete-friendly infrastructure.
India's performance in para-athletics has seen a remarkable surge over the past decade. The nation climbed from two silver medals at Doha 2015 to 17 medals, including six gold, at Kobe 2024, and secured 17 para-athletics medals out of 84 overall at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. More than 70 Indian athletes are representing the country at the home championships, carrying the hopes for a record performance. Among the top contenders are Sumit in javelin, Preeti Pal in sprints, Praveen Kumar in high jump, Dharambir in club throw, and Navdeep in javelin. Javelin star Rinku Hooda has already secured India's second gold medal at the event. The championships aim to not only showcase medal-winning performances but also deepen public awareness of para-sports.
Asia Cup 2025 Final Marred by Trophy Presentation Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 cricket final between India and Pakistan was overshadowed by significant controversy following India's victory. India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title overall by defeating Pakistan, but the trophy presentation turned into a diplomatic incident. The Indian team reportedly refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chief and ACC chairman. This refusal led to Naqvi walking away with the trophy, prompting widespread debate and political statements. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later stated that the team decided not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, and they celebrated their win without the physical silverware, lifting an "imaginary trophy" in a clear political gesture. The BCCI plans to file a strong protest at the ICC's November meeting regarding Naqvi's actions.
The controversy extended to the Pakistani side, with captain Salman Ali Agha reportedly throwing away the runners-up cheque. Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik criticized India's decision, suggesting it would "haunt" them and that they missed a massive moment of celebration. The incident has been widely discussed, with some Pakistani players and officials accusing India of disrespecting the game.
5th Hockey India Senior Women's Inter-Department National Championship Inaugurated
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated the 5th Hockey India Senior Women's Inter-Department National Championship in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Puri highlighted the significant rise of Indian women's hockey on the global stage, bringing pride to the nation. He praised players like Rani Rampal and Pritam Rani Siwach for their contributions and for serving as role models. The Minister emphasized the government's intensified focus on sports through initiatives such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Fit India Movement, which are fostering a robust ecosystem for athletes. Increased investments in sports infrastructure and a special emphasis on women's sports are enabling Indian athletes to achieve record successes at various international competitions.