India clinch 208 medals at the World Para Athletics held in New Delhi

In a historic display of athletic dominance, India concluded its campaign at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in New Delhi on top of the world. 
The host nation finished with 208 medals, including 75 gold, 69 silver, and 64 bronze, leaving a lasting impression on the international para-sports landscape. Russia finished second with 35 medals, while Bosnia and Herzegovina placed third with three.

India sent its largest-ever contingent of 219 athletes for the three-day competition, which took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. They routinely outperformed a field that included competitors from eight countries, including Serbia and Russia.

Preethi Pal, a double Paralympic bronze medallist, stole the show on the last day of competition. Pal won her second gold medal of the competition with a time of 30.26 seconds in the women`s 200-meter T35-T37.

India’s depth was most evident in the podium sweeps.  The hosts locked out all three medals in events ranging from the men`s shot put F57—won by Shubham Juyal with a throw of 14.45m—to the men`s 800m T53-T54, where Manojkumar Sabapathi led the charge.

The event featured 257 athletes from eight countries. Earlier in the meet, Paralympic champions Sumit Antil and Praveen Kumar also secured gold medals.

New talent wins medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 

The Grand Prix provided a stage for up-and-coming talent alongside established stars. Athletes like Rakeshbhai Bhatt (gold in 200m T37-T44) and Vinay (gold in 200m T35) proved that India’s para-athletics pipeline is stronger than ever.

The New Delhi leg was the second stop of the 13th Grand Prix season, offering key international classification opportunities ahead of the 2026 World Para Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), stated that organising an event of this level is essential to winning a candidacy for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. With this unprecedented collection, India has not only participated but also announced its rise to prominence in para-sports.

As attention turns to the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, the Indian team will aim to win more medals at the marquee event.