Bhubaneswar 16March ( PNS ) Kalinga Stadium :- The Paralympic Committee of India, in collaboration with the Sports & Youth Services Department,Government of Odisha, and the Para Sports Association of Odisha, is proud to announce that the 24thNational Para Athletics Championship 2026 will be held at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar,from 18th to 21st March 2026. This prestigious championship reflects the state’s unwaveringcommitment to promoting a strong and inclusive sports culture.The grand opening ceremony will commence on 18th March 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Kalinga Stadium,Bhubaneswar, Odisha. To mark this prestigious occasion, we have invited the Hon’ble Minister for Sportsand Youth Services, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, to inaugurate the championship.Mr Satyanarayana, Chairman, Para Athletics, PCI, stated that the championship will witness participationfrom approximately 1,460 para-athletes representing 28 states in a total of 145 medal events, along withteams from the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB). The Eventswill be conducted in both morning and evening sessions.Competition Details: (19th – 21st March 2026)Morning sessions: 9 am -11 amEvening sessions: 4 pm – 8 pmA strong contingent of 40 athletes from the host state of Odisha will be participating in the Championship,which is led by Ms Suchitra Parida, National record holder in the F55 Javelin throw event. Haryana is thelargest contingent in this championship. They are the defending champions of the 23rd National ParaAthletics Championship held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.The event will feature several distinguished Paralympic medallists, Arjuna Awardees, Asian Gamesmedallists, and World Championship medallists, including Mariyappan Thangavelu (Gold – Rio 2016,Silver – Tokyo 2020, Bronze – Paris 2024), Sumit Antil (F64)(Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), Navdeep Singh(F41)(Gold Medallist – Paris 2024 Paralympic Games), Praveen Kumar (T64)(Silver – Tokyo 2020, Gold –Paris 2024), Preethi Pal, Praveen Kumar, Shailesh Kumar, Rakeshbhai Bhatt, Rohit Kumar, DevendraSingh Gurjar, Poonam, Lakshmi, Jayanti Behera(Asian Para Games Medallist), Yogesh Kathuniya,Dharambir(Gold Medallist), and Pranav Soorma and others.The Government of Odisha has extended maximum logistical and financial support in organising thechampionship. The championship will serve as a platform for elite performers, emerging talents, andpromising young athletes, celebrating determination, perseverance, and sporting excellence. It will alsoplay a crucial role in selecting probable’s for the upcoming Asian Para Games (Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, 18–24 October 2026 and various international CompetitionsSpeaking on the occasion, he emphasised that this Championship is focused on identifying and nurturingrural talents and promoting para sports in the country, preparing them for top podium finishes at nationaland international competitions. National Coaching camps will be conducted for focused training anddevelopment of the athletes who are probable’s for qualifying for the upcoming Asian Games andCommonwealth Games.Para sports in India have witnessed remarkable growth—from a single medal at the London 2012Paralympics to an impressive haul of 29 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. “Para sports are growingat an unprecedented pace, and our athletes are determined to strengthen India’s global standing,” hesaid. He credited this progress to the continued support of the Government of India and the SportsAuthority of India. The long-term vision includes preparing athletes for the LA 2028 Paralympics and the2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, ensuring sustained excellence on the global stage.The Paralympic Committee of India also appealed to the media to extensively cover the championshipacross print and electronic platforms, aiming to increase awareness and visibility of para sports. Heexpressed hope that such exposure will inspire more individuals with physical challenges to take upsports, fostering confidence, independence, and empowerment in their lives.The Following members were present during the press conference:• Mr. B K Swain, OAS, Additional Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha• Mr. Kamala Kanta Ratha, President, Para Sports Association of Odisha• Mr. Satyanarayana, Chairman, Para Athletics, PCI• Ms. Jayanti Behera, Para Asian Games Medalist• Mr. Markanda Reddy, Paralympian.
