NEW DELHI: At the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, the cheers may have been few, but the effort on the field was anything but subdued.
The three-day international para athletics meet began on March 11 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and will continue until March 13, bringing together around 257 athletes from eight nations: India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Egypt.
While the stands were largely occupied by coaches, teammates and family members, the athletes ensured the competition itself remained spirited and fiercely contested.
For many participants, the meet represents more than just another competition. The Grand Prix offers 74 international classification slots across multiple categories, a crucial step for athletes aiming to compete on the global stage.
India has fielded the largest contingent with around 219 athletes, reflecting the growing depth of the country’s para athletics programme. The host nation also arrived with confidence after topping the medals table in the previous edition in 2025, where the athletes collected 134 medals: 45 gold, 40 silver and 49 bronze.