Para Athletics 2025: Logo & Mascot Unveiled 100 Days Out

Key Points (Important for SSC, UPSC & Other Govt Exams)

  • Event Name & Dates: 12th World Para Athletics Championships, New Delhi, from September 27 to October 5, 2025
  • Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi (Seating Capacity: 60,000)
  • Organised by: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
  • Mascot Name: Viraaj – a young elephant with a blade prosthesis
  • Total Medal Events: 186 (101 men’s, 84 women’s, 1 mixed)
  • Significance: First time India is hosting this global championship
  • Asian Hosts Previously: Doha (2015, Qatar), Dubai (2019, UAE), Kobe (2024, Japan)
  • Participants: Over 100 countries expected
  • Track & Venue Status: Being relaid; ready by August
  • PCI President: Devendra Jhajharia (Two-time Paralympic gold medallist)

Complete Coverage: Logo, Mascot & India’s Debut as Host

India Gears Up for First-Ever World Para Athletics Championship

With exactly 100 days left, the countdown to the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships has begun. For the first time, India will host this globally prestigious event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, from September 27 to October 5, 2025.

On this occasion, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) unveiled the championship’s official logo and mascot—marking a key milestone in India’s para-sports journey.

Viraaj the Elephant – A Symbol of Strength & Inclusion

The official mascot, named Viraaj, is a young elephant fitted with a blade prosthesis. Viraaj is not just a mascot but a symbol of resilience, courage, and adaptive spirit—perfectly reflecting the ethos of para-athletics.

The mascot launch also signifies India’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and global sporting standards.

India’s Historic Moment as Host Nation

This is the 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships and marks a significant achievement for India, being the first time the nation is hosting the event.

India becomes the fourth Asian country to do so, following:

  • Doha, Qatar (2015)
  • Dubai, UAE (2019)
  • Kobe, Japan (2024)

Stadium and Infrastructure Ready for the Global Stage

The championship will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators. The athletics track is currently being relaid, and according to PCI President Devendra Jhajharia, the venue will be ready by August 2025.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) maintains the stadium under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Why This Event Matters

  • Global Participation: Over 100 countries, 1,000+ athletes expected
  • Medal Events: 186 in total – 101 for men, 84 for women, and 1 mixed event
  • National Pride: A chance for India to showcase its ability to host large-scale, inclusive international events
  • Social Inclusion: A milestone in promoting para-sports and disability inclusion on the global stage

Static GK: New Delhi & Paralympic Committee of India

New Delhi (Host City)

  • Capital of India
  • Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal
  • Important River: Yamuna
  • Nearby National Park: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)

  • Founded: 1992
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Role: Governing body for para-athletes in India; sends teams to Paralympics and other international competitions

Exam-Oriented MCQs (With Answers)

1. When will the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships be held?
A) Sept 15 – Sept 25
B) Sept 27 – Oct 5
C) Oct 10 – Oct 20
D) Aug 30 – Sept 10
Answer: B) Sept 27 – Oct 5

2. What is the name of the mascot for the event?
A) Rudra
B) Gagan
C) Viraaj
D) Mahaveer
Answer: C) Viraaj

3. Which city is hosting the event for the first time?
A) Tokyo
B) Doha
C) Dubai
D) New Delhi
Answer: D) New Delhi

4. Who is the President of the Paralympic Committee of India?
A) Mariyappan Thangavelu
B) Devendra Jhajharia
C) Deepa Malik
D) Varun Singh Bhati
Answer: B) Devendra Jhajharia

5. Which of the following is NOT a previous Asian host of the World Para Athletics Championships?
A) Doha
B) Dubai
C) Kobe
D) Beijing
Answer: D) Beijing

UPSC-Style FAQs with Model Answers

Q1: What is the importance of India hosting the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships?

Answer:
Introduction: Hosting the championship marks a significant milestone for India in the field of para-sports.
Body:

  • It demonstrates India’s organizational capability and inclusive sports development.
  • Encourages infrastructure upgrade (track relaying, stadium modernization).
  • Promotes national awareness and acceptance of disabled athletes.
    Conclusion: The event will elevate India’s position as a global sports hub and boost social inclusion.

Q2: How do logos and mascots contribute to the success of international sporting events?

Answer:
Introduction: Logos and mascots serve as symbolic representations of any international sporting event.
Body:

  • They create emotional engagement with the audience.
  • Increase brand visibility and merchandising potential.
  • Convey the core message and theme of the event.
  • Boost youth participation and public outreach.
    Conclusion: Mascots like “Viraaj” help promote core values such as resilience and inclusion, which align with the spirit of para-athletics.

Q3: Examine the significance of Devendra Jhajharia’s leadership in para-sports in India.

Answer:
Introduction: Devendra Jhajharia is a double Paralympic gold medallist and currently heads the PCI.
Body:

  • Under his leadership, the PCI has focused on expansion, athlete development, and event hosting.
  • He exemplifies leadership from experience, being a successful para-athlete himself.
  • Has emphasized infrastructure development, transparency, and better support for para-athletes.
    Conclusion: His leadership represents a powerful blend of vision and lived experience, crucial for the growth of para-sports in India.

Q4: What infrastructural preparations are being made for the championship?

Answer:
Introduction: India is gearing up to host the event with a focus on high standards.
Body:

  • Relaying of athletic tracks at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
  • Ensuring accessibility features for para-athletes
  • Timely completion of infrastructure (by August 2025)
  • Coordination by PCI, SAI, and Ministry of Sports
    Conclusion: India’s readiness reflects its seriousness in delivering a world-class event.

Conclusion

India’s hosting of the 12th World Para Athletics Championships is a monumental leap in its sports diplomacy and inclusion efforts. With over 100 nations participating and more than 180 events, the championship will set new benchmarks for accessibility, resilience, and global recognition. The unveiling of the logo and mascot Viraaj sets the stage for what promises to be a historic event in India’s sporting journey.