With 100 days to go, India launched the official logo and mascot of the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships at a ceremony in New Delhi on June 20, 2025. This is an important moment in Indian para athletics history, as India is hosting the world-class para athletics Championships, from September 27th- October 5th at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, for the first time. The mascot, named Viraaj, a young elephant with a blade prosthesis, recognized a symbol of strength, resilience, and inclusive sports.
India is about to host the World Para Athletics Championships for the first time, and the 100-day countdown began with the launch of the Championships logo and mascot. With more than 100 countries anticipated to be a part of the 12th edition, the announcement made by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) indicates India’s determined commitment to holding an inclusive sporting event and being a high-performing country for sport.
Mascot & Logo Launch
- Mascot: Viraaj
- Representation: A young elephant with a blade prosthesis- it embodies strength, hope and spirit of para-athletes.
- Unveiling by: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
- Logo: Not explicitly described in the release, but will hold significance involving inclusivity, resilience, and Indian culture.
Significance
- First time India is hosting this world class para athletics championship event.
- Highlights what India is doing to provide access to inclusive or accessible sports for people with disabilities.
- Opportunity for India to strengthen its position as a global sport and Olympic-based sport destination, and provide a global platform for para-athletes.
- May inspire growth in infrastructure and social development for people with disabilities.
Event Details
- Event: 2025 World Para Athletics Championships
- Edition: 12th
- Dates: September 27 to October 5, 2025
- Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
- Host Nation: India (for the first time)
- Medal Events: 186
- Participating Nations: Over 100 countries expected
