On Wednesday at the iconic venue, two very important people in the para-athletic organisational world \u2013 Paul Fitzgerald, head of World Para Athletics, and Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), addressed the media. They couldn\u2019t help but express their admiration for the growth that India has shown in recent years in sports, including para sports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fitzgerald believes the ongoing event is a great opportunity on so many fronts. \u201cEvery world championship that we have is an opportunity to show the entire world what\u2019s possible for 1.2 billion people around the world with disability and not just show that but also show excellence, high performance, as well as connect with each other as a community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLast year in Kobe, India won 17 medals. At the Doha World Championships in 2015, they had won two. In the ongoing one, there are already quite a few; the medal table is really ticking.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Indian government, for sure, has been very supportive. Renovations are underway across sports facilities. The event is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fitzgerald, who has been in his WPA role since 2022, also asserted the ongoing event was not a one-off thing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely not a one-time thing. We had a Grand Prix before renovations here. We have a contract for the next three years to have a grand prix every year. The reach that we are having within the para community all around India is important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Parsons, who recently got re-elected as IPC president for a third term, nodded in approval as Paul spoke before providing his assessment of things.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere is growth. There is definitely good support from the government. We are trying to understand the para-ecosystem in India. It\u2019s a work in progress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Parsons, who recently got re-elected as IPC president for a third term, nodded in approval as Paul spoke before providing his assessment of things.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fitzgerald stressed the importance of achieving personal bests, not so much not winning medals, as well as the WPAC being the beginning of something big. \u201cIndia has the largest population. There are many athletes to reach out to, but it\u2019s important to remember that being competitive is more important than winning medals. For me, it\u2019s the personal best that matters, to inspire. To me, these games are the real launch point,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n