Kangana Ranaut Named Brand Ambassador for Para Athletics

Kangana Ranaut Appointed Brand Ambassador for World Para Athletics Championship 2025

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has officially appointed renowned actress Kangana Ranaut as the Brand Ambassador for the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, a major para-sporting event set to be hosted at the Jawaharlal Stadium in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5, 2025. This championship will showcase various disciplines including discus throw and javelin throw F53, attracting athletes aiming to improve their world ranking. The event’s significance rivals that of the Indian Grand Prix in terms of national sporting prestige, with many athletes aspiring to win coveted awards like the Arjuna Award.

Kangana expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, calling it an honour to represent India’s para athletes. Her association is expected to raise public awareness and foster national pride in para-sports, further strengthening the Paralympic movement in the country. The event is anticipated to inspire athletes to set new Asian records and potentially earn esteemed recognitions such as the Maharashtra Chhatrapati Award, which celebrates outstanding achievements in sports.

About PCI (Paralympic Committee of India)

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the national apex body responsible for promoting and governing para-sports in India. It plays a crucial role in nurturing para athletes, improving their world rankings, and providing support through personal coaches and sports psychology experts like Veena Nagpal, who helps athletes maintain peak mental performance. The PCI has established training camps in various locations across India, including Ahmednagar and Leh-Ladakh, to prepare athletes for high-altitude competitions. These camps often involve training on high altitude passes to enhance endurance and performance.

PCI is affiliated with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and works to prepare Indian athletes with disabilities for events like the Paralympic Games, Asian Para Games, Commonwealth Games, and IPC World Championships. The organization also collaborates with international bodies to organize competitions in places like Christchurch, New Zealand, providing Indian para-athletes with global exposure. Additionally, PCI has been instrumental in India’s participation in the FESPIC Games, further broadening the international experience of para-athletes.

• Founded: 1992 (originally named the Physically Handicapped Sports Federation of India)
• Renamed: Became the Paralympic Committee of India in 2005
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Current President (2024–2025): Dr. Deepa Malik, India’s first female Paralympic medallist and a Padma Shri awardee. About Deepa Malik: She is a renowned para athlete who has set Asian records in shot put F53 and other seated throws events. Dr. Malik has been instrumental in advancing the Paralympic movement in India and inspiring countless aspiring para athletes. She also founded the Wheeling Happiness Foundation to support para-sports initiatives. Her journey as a mother of two daughters, one of whom serves as her personal coach, has inspired many in the para-sports community. Dr. Malik’s achievements have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Naari Gaurav Puraskar and the Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar.

Brand Ambassador (2024 Edition)

In 2024, the brand ambassador for the para-sports promotion initiative was Devendra Jhajharia, India’s most decorated Paralympian and a two-time Paralympic gold medallist in javelin throw F53. His role inspired youth and budding athletes in the disability sports community, highlighting the importance of para-sports and the potential for success on the world stage. Jhajharia’s achievements, including setting a new Asian record and winning the Arjuna Award, have motivated many to pursue excellence in para-sports.

The Government of Haryana has been particularly supportive of para-athletes like Jhajharia, offering state-level recognition and support. This support extends to selfless grassroots coaches who play a crucial role in nurturing talent at the local level. One such coach, Chhotelal Yadav, has been instrumental in developing para-athletes in rural areas, earning him the Shree Shakti Puruskar for his dedication to sports development.

Exam Relevance:

The Sports Ministry of India has shown strong support for this event, recognizing its potential to boost India’s standing in international para-sports and inspire a new generation of para athletes. The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 is expected to feature intense competition across various disciplines, including shot put F53, discus throw, and other seated throws, as athletes vie for world rankings and the chance to set new Asian records.

The event will also highlight the importance of sports psychology and personal coaching in athlete preparation. Many participants aspire to achieve lifetime category recognition and coveted awards for their performances. The championships serve as a platform for para-athletes to showcase their skills, potentially leading to opportunities for higher education in sports, such as programs offered at renowned institutions like Loughborough University, which focuses on para-sports development.

The success of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 is expected to pave the way for more international para-sports events to be hosted in India, further cementing the country’s position as a global hub for inclusive sports. This event not only celebrates athletic achievement but also promotes awareness and acceptance of differently-abled individuals in society, making it a significant milestone in India’s sporting calendar.

In addition to traditional para-sports, the event also aims to highlight the diversity of sporting achievements in India. For instance, the organizers plan to showcase the success of Indian athletes in events like the Raid-de-Himalaya, where participants compete as navigator and driver teams in challenging terrains. This inclusion demonstrates India’s commitment to recognizing and promoting a wide range of sporting disciplines, further enriching the country’s sports culture.