A Step Taken, But Miles to Go: Assessing India‘s Para Athletics World championships
The recent Para Athletics World Championships in Paris served as a crucial test for India, widely viewed as an audition for possibly hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. While the event represented progress, a candid assessment reveals important room for betterment as India strives to elevate its sporting infrastructure and event management to Olympic standards.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Championships was the evolving spectator experience. Initially, attendees required education regarding the specific protocols of Para athletics events, particularly the need for silence during performances. Though, once informed, the audience demonstrably adapted, creating a supportive atmosphere for the athletes. This support began focused on Indian competitors, but broadened throughout the competition to encompass athletes from all nations. Medallists, initially celebrating within their national contingents, increasingly acknowledged and interacted with the enthusiastic Indian spectators, fostering genuine connections. The dedication of those who attended simply out of a love for the sport is commendable, and the paralympic Committee of India (PCI) should prioritize retaining this engaged audience before attempting broader expansion.
Though, a significant impediment to broader engagement was the restrictive media access. While often perceived as critical, the media plays a vital role in amplifying the stories of athletes and generating public interest in non-cricket sports within India. A blanket ban on video interviews and reactions – crucial for compelling storytelling in the digital age – hindered the ability to showcase the event’s most impactful moments.
Such as, the passionate support of two young fans during Navdeep’s Men’s Javelin Throw F41 Final created a powerful visual. A video capturing their energy would have resonated far beyond the stadium. Similarly, footage of the small but fervent crowds cheering on athletes during less-attended sessions could have sparked wider interest. Moments like Sandeep Chaudhary’s silver medal celebration with his son,draped in the Indian flag,and Sumit Antil’s gold-medal-winning roar,which energized the entire stadium,were largely confined to those present live,lacking a broader recorded presence. Other potentially captivating scenes - Preeti Pal celebrating with her sister, Rinku Singh’s consistent support for fellow Indian athletes, and the emotional embraces between competitors – remained largely undocumented due to the restrictions.
Ultimately, the Para World Championships earned an overall grade of C. The event demonstrated a willingness to adapt facilities to meet the specific needs of Para athletes,but lacked attention to crucial details. As India aspires to host events of Olympic magnitude, it is these details – comprehensive media access, compelling storytelling, and a fully engaged audience - that will be under intense scrutiny. The Championships were a step forward, but a long journey remains, demanding meticulous planning and execution at every stage.
