India Unveils Logo and Mascot ‘Viraaj’ for 2025 World Para Athletics Championships
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