Bengaluru will host the 7th Indian Open Para Athletics Championship on July 11 and 12 at the Kanteerava Stadium, bringing together over 262 of the country’s top para athletes. This pivotal event acts as the final selection trial for the Indian team heading to the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships later this year.
Leading the athlete lineup is two-time Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil in the F64 Javelin category. Other notable names include Praveen Kumar (High Jump, T44), Yogesh Kathuniya (Discus Throw, F56), Dharambir Nain (Club Throw, F51), Rinku Hooda (Javelin Throw, F46), and sprinter Simran (100m & 200m, T12), who recently struck gold at the Kobe 2024 Asian Championships.
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia emphasized the significance of the championship, calling it a celebration of resilience and excellence. “This is more than a competition. It’s about finalizing the athletes who will carry India’s hopes on the global stage,” he said.
Athletes, too, are fired up. Yogesh Kathuniya, silver medallist from the Paris and Tokyo Paralympics, highlighted the meet’s importance in preparation for international events. Rising star Simran expressed confidence and excitement to perform in front of the home crowd in Bengaluru.
The event is supported by sponsors like Balmer Lawrie, Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), Leonard Cheshire Disability, and the Cognizant Foundation. As India sets its sights on a historic performance at the New Delhi 2025 World Championships, this championship promises to showcase the best of Indian para athletic talent.
