India Hosts World Para Athletics Championships 2025: Significance Of Logo, Mascot ‘Viraaj’ Explained

The official logo and mascot 'Viraaj' for the New Delhi 2025 edition of the World Para Athletics Championships were unveiled on June 20, along with the ‘100 Days to Go’ countdown. India is readying to host the event for the first time in its history and the logo, mascot have been designed to celebrate the country’s rich cultural identity and the unbreakable spirit of para athletes worldwide.

The Championships, scheduled from 27 September to 5 October 2025, will welcome over 1,700 athletes from more than 100 countries. With this landmark event, India steps onto the global para sport stage not just as a host, but as a storyteller — using design and symbolism to honour resilience, diversity and unity.

World Para Athletics Championships 2025: More About Official Logo

The official logo of the Championships is a fusion of movement, tradition and identity. Designed in a circular format symbolising global inclusivity and motion, it features a para athlete in a racing wheelchair at its core — representing strength, speed and focus.

Surrounding the athlete are iconic Indian cultural motifs: the majestic peacock, the wise elephant, the melodic sitar and the timeless spinning wheel. At the centre stands the Lotus Temple — a symbol of New Delhi’s spirit and India’s hospitality. The use of vibrant hues — from magenta and saffron to deep blues — brings alive the energy, diversity, and vibrancy of both the host nation and the Championships themselves.

World Para Athletics Championships 2025: More About Mascot Viraaj

The Championships’ official mascot Viraaj is a young elephant with a prosthetic running blade, meant to signify determination and warmth. His name, drawn from Sanskrit, means 'brilliance' or 'excellence'. With expressive green eyes, a confident smile and athletic attire featuring the event logo, Viraaj embodies the ideals of courage, inclusivity and the joyful pursuit of dreams.

Rooted in Indian symbolism yet reimagined for a new generation, he stands tall as a representative of every athlete who has ever defied expectations and every child who dares to believe in the impossible.

Together, the logo and Viraaj offer a visual narrative that celebrates both where India comes from and what para sport represents — resilience, unity and boundless human potential. As New Delhi readies itself to welcome the world, these symbols stand as proud emblems of a country that embraces ability in all its forms and honours the transformative power of sport.