Paralympic to Olympic: How India's Sporting Soft Power Recasts Global Diplomacy

New Delhi's Triumphant Para Moment

- By Dr. Kuldeep Verma By Dr Neha Baghel

When a nation hosts a world championship in para-athletics, it does much more than organise a sporting contest—it opens a window into its social values, governance systems, and civic maturity.

The 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships, the largest para-sport event ever held in India, placed New Delhi firmly on the global sporting map. The moment was historic, not just for the medals won but for the message it conveyed: India is ready to lead with inclusivity, competence, and quiet confidence.

By hosting this global event, India showed that the Global South can set new benchmarks in event management and sports diplomacy. The nation’s best-ever performance—winning 18 medals— reflected not only the determination of its athletes but also the strength of its institutional capability. Over nine transformative days, India presented itself as an inclusive and self-assured nation capable of merging efficiency with empathy. It was a demonstration that a world-class organisation can emerge from developing economies that lead with vision and cultural authenticity.

Soft Power in Action