VMPL
New Delhi [India], March 6: In a significant high-level strategic development for Indian para sports, Yogesh Shelly, Director - Para Athlete Development and Special Programs (Para Powerlifing), held an important meeting with Sh Satyanarayana, Chairperson & Chief Coach PCI and Sh Jayawant Gundu Hamanawar, Secretary General PCI, to finalize key preparations for the upcoming 24th National Para Athletics Championship 2025-26.
The meeting marked a crucial step toward strengthening planning, coordination, and execution strategies for one of India's largest para sporting events, organized under the leadership of the Paralympic Committee of India.

The strategic discussion was further strengthened by the presence and valuable insights of Sh JP Singh, IRS, Chairman Para Powerlifting PCI, and Shubham Chaudhary, Chairman, Paralympic Sports Development PCI. Both leaders emphasized the importance of raising competitive standards, strengthening grassroots talent identification, and enhancing India's medal prospects at national and international platforms. Their participation reflected a united and performance-driven vision within PCI leadership.
Championship Details
The 24th National Para Athletics Championship 2025-26 is scheduled to be held from March 17 to 21, 2026 at the prestigious Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with proud support from the Government of Odisha.
The mega event is expected to host more than 1500+ athletes and 1000+ officials from across the country, making it one of the largest and most significant para athletics gatherings in India.
Key Discussions: Athlete Welfare & Event Planning
A major highlight of the meeting was the detailed discussion on athlete welfare and logistical planning. Special focus was placed on ensuring proper accommodation and food arrangements for athletes and officials, maintaining high standards of comfort, accessibility, hygiene, and smooth coordination throughout the championship.
The leadership deliberated on:
* Structured planning for stay and dining management
* Smooth registration and participation processes
* Infrastructure readiness and accessibility compliance
* Strong coordination between organizing committees and state units
* Enhancing overall competition quality and operational efficiency
Yogesh Shelly highlighted the importance of building a supportive and professionally managed environment where para athletes can focus entirely on performance without logistical concerns.
A Landmark Championship in the Making
With strong backing from the Odisha Government and coordinated leadership from PCI, this edition of the National Para Athletics Championship is expected to set new benchmarks in scale, organization, and athlete support systems.
The meeting is being viewed as a decisive and forward-looking step toward strengthening India's para sports ecosystem and aligning national standards with global competition frameworks.
As preparations intensify, one message stands clear -- Indian para athletics is moving toward a new era of structured growth, inclusivity, and performance excellence.
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