The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship commenced at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Monday. This is the first time Chennai is hosting the event.
The championship, which ends on Feb. 20, will have an impressive 1,476 para-athletes competing in 155 events under 30 teams, making it one of the largest para-athletics gatherings in the country.
Among the top athletes competing for glory are Manoj Sabapathy (Wheelchair Racing), Manoj Singaraja and Muthuraja (Shot Put), and the Paris Paralympics medal-winners Sumit Antil (Javelin), Mariyappan Thangavelu (High Jump), Hokato Sema (Shot Put), Navdeep Singh (Javelin), and Yogesh Kathuniya (Discus).
Speaking about the championship, Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia said: “We are confident that this championship in Chennai will set new benchmarks for para athletic competitions in India. With 1,476 para athletes competing in 155 events, this tournament reflects the rapid growth of and increasing competitiveness in para sports in the country. With world-class facilities and a commitment to inclusivity, we are witnessing a new era for Indian para athletics.”
Tamil Nadu Paralympic Sports Association (TNPSA) President Chandrasekar Rajan said: “The unwavering support from the Tamil Nadu Government has been instrumental for the organisation of this tournament. This championship not only showcases extraordinary talent, but also reinforces our commitment to empowering para athletes nationwide.”
Published – February 17, 2025 06:50 pm IST