International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons admits he is still working to fully grasp India’s unique para sports landscape. However, he remains confident that strong government support will significantly bolster its development.
Parsons, who was recently re-elected for his third and final term, attended the World Para Athletics Championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. He was accompanied by Paul Fitzgerald, the head of World Para Athletics.
“We observe significant growth and excellent support from the government. Understanding India’s para-athletic ecosystem is an ongoing process, but the country undeniably has momentum, driven by its economic expansion,” Parsons stated, alluding to India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Parsons is also a key member of the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission, which evaluates bids.
His re-election at the IPC General Assembly last week coincided with a decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national flags rather than as neutral athletes (NPAs), a status they currently hold.
Paul Fitzgerald emphasized that competitive spirit and personal achievement take precedence over medal counts. “Sporting facilities are undergoing renovations. With India’s vast population, there’s immense potential to reach out to numerous athletes. It’s crucial to prioritize competitiveness and personal bests, as these truly inspire, rather than solely focusing on winning medals,” Fitzgerald explained. He pointed out India’s impressive haul of 17 medals at the last World Championships in Kobe, a significant leap from just two in Doha in 2015, indicating a positive trend in their medal prospects.