Sumit Antil and other Paris Paralympics stars set to compete at 23rd National Para Athletics Championship in Chennai

The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship commenced on Monday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, marking a historic first for the city.

The event, which ends on February 20, is being supported by the Tamil Nadu Government and organised under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also serves as the State Minister for Sports.

The championship has drawn 1,476 para-athletes from across the country, competing in 155 events under 30 teams, making it one of the largest para athletics gatherings in the country. Among the top athletes competing for glory are Sumit Antil – Men’s Javelin Throw F64, Mariyappan Thangavelu – High Jump T63, and Navdeep Singh – Men’s Javelin Throw F41, amongst others.

The event is being conducted with the efforts of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), led by Devendra Jhajharia, and the Tamil Nadu Paralympic Sports Association (TNPSA), headed by Chandrasekar Rajan.

“We are confident that this championship in Chennai will set new benchmarks for para athletic competitions in India. With an impressive 1,476 para athletes competing in 155 events, this tournament reflects the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of para sports in the country. With world-class facilities and a commitment to inclusivity, we are witnessing a new era for Indian para athletics,” said PCI President Jhajharia.