By Ivashree
For the first time, Indian sporting medals carry Braille inscriptions, so visually impaired athletes can run their fingers over the surface and feel the words of their achievement. Alongside the Braille, the design is decorated with traditional Indian motifs, a nod to the country’s heritage. It’s a simple detail, but for many it’s a powerful one.
The schedule from September 27 to October 5 is set to be the biggest parasport event India has ever hosted. More than 2,200 athletes from 104 countries will compete, filling Delhi’s stadiums with speed, strength and stories of hard work.
For India, it’s a moment that has been building for years. In Tokyo 2021, the country’s para-athletes brought home a record 19 Paralympic medals, and in Hangzhou 2023, they stunned again with 111 medals at the Asian Para Games. Hosting the world now feels like the next story.
At the unveiling ceremony, organisers didn’t mince words. “These aren’t just medals,” one said. “They are about recognition, respect, and belonging.”
Across Delhi, preparations are in full swing. Ramps are being built, tactile flooring is being laid, transport routes are being adjusted, and changes that organisers say will outlast the event. For the athletes, those details matter just as much as the competition.
And when the finals are done and champions step onto the podium in October, the moment will carry a little extra weight. Because the medal around their neck won’t just celebrate victory. It will remind them and the world watching that every athlete’s journey deserves to be seen, felt and remembered.