Stars descend in New Delhi for World Para Athletics Grand Prix
Fourteen years after she made her international debut, three-time Paralympic gold medallist Vanessa Low is back in India. Low, who first competed on the international stage for Germany at the 2009 World Games in Bangalore, is in New Delhi this time.
Now 34-years-old, and after winning gold in the women’s long jump T42 for Germany in 2016 and in the women’s long jump T63 category at the 2020 and 2024 Games for Australia, Low is the highest profile athlete to be competing at the World Para athletics Grand Prix, starting on Tuesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
“I had my classification and my first competition as part of the German team here in India and it was one of my fondest memories. I still love that trip and I’m really excited to be here,” Low, was quoted as saying by Paralympic.org.
Low isn’t the only high profile athlete to be competing at the Grand Prix. Paris Paralympics 2024 silver medallist in the men’s 100m T12, Joeferson Marinho, and Paris 2024 silver medallist in the men’s 400m T37, Bartolomeu Chaves (both of Brazil) and Uzbekistan’s Kudratillokhon Marufkhujaev, the men’s shot put F37 Paralympic champion from Paris 2024 are among the other big names among the 283 athletes from 20 countries who will be taking part.
Host India have some top stars competing as well with Paralympic gold medallists Praveen Kumar (High Jump T64), Navdeep Singh (Javelin F41), Dharambir (Club Throw F51) and sprinter Preeti Pal, a two-time bronze medallist forming part of the biggest contingent in the event — 167 para-athletes (116 men and 51 women). However, double Paralympic champion Sumit Antil and double Paralympic discus silver medallist Yogesh Kathuniya will not be participating.
“Competing in front of a home crowd at such a prestigious event is truly special. The Grand Prix in New Delhi is a huge step for para-athletics in India, and I’m eager to put on a great performance for our supporters,” Praveen was quoted as saying.
Dharambir, India’s champion in the Club Throw F51 category at Paris, added, “This is a historic moment for para-athletics in India. Having a Grand Prix in our own country is a dream come true, and it gives us the perfect platform to prepare for future global events. The energy and enthusiasm here will be incredible, and I hope to make the nation proud once again.”
India enters the competition with strong momentum, having secured 14 medals (5 Gold, 6 Silver, and 3 Bronze) at the recently concluded Dubai Grand Prix. The upcoming Grand Prix in New Delhi will serve as a crucial platform for Indian athletes to continue their dominance on the global stage and prepare for future international championships.
The biggest of the latter is expected to be held later this year.
While the World Para Athletics Grand Prix is easily the highest profile para athletics event to be held in India, it will be a test for the athletes and a challenge for the organisers as they prepare to host the prestigious Para Athletics World Championships here later this year.