New Delhi, Sept. 25 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that hosting the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will reiterate India as a "sporting and inclusive" nation to the world.

The opening ceremony of the WPAC 2025 was held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

In a special message welcoming around 2,200 participants from 100 nations, PM Modi said, "By breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, para athletes have played a vital role in strengthening India's identity as a rising sporting hub, motivating millions to embrace sports as a way of life."

India is the fourth Asian nation, after Qatar (2015), the UAE (2019), and Japan (2024), to host the world Para Athletics Championships. The event is being ...