Para-athletes from Arunachal Pradesh delivered a powerful performance at the 7th International Para Athletics Championship 2025, held in Bengaluru from July 10 to 12, bringing pride and honour to the state and signaling a promising future for adaptive sports in the region. The star of the Arunachal contingent was Tingong Wangpan, who clinched two gold medals in the 200m and 400m sprints under the T35 category, which is designated for athletes with coordination impairments. Wangpan’s outstanding speed, determination, and competitive spirit made him one of the standout performers of the championship.
Joining him on the medal tally was Kipa Mero, who secured a bronze medal in the Javelin Throw under the F13 category, a classification for visually impaired athletes. Mero’s strength and technique added depth to Arunachal’s performance and highlighted the state’s growing potential in field events at international competitions. The team’s commendable success was credited in large part to the leadership and training of coach Techi Sonu, who has been instrumental in guiding para-athletes with discipline, structured training, and psychological motivation. “Their achievements reflect not only talent but also relentless hard work and a will to overcome all odds,” Sonu remarked. The championship, which hosted athletes from across India and several international countries, served as a key platform for para-athletes to compete and gain recognition at a high level. Arunachal’s success is now seen as a major step forward in the development of inclusive sports in the state.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media to celebrate the team’s accomplishments. In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes and the support team! Your achievements have brought great honour to Arunachal and lit the path for many future champions.”The state government has been taking proactive steps to promote sports among persons with disabilities, with increased investments in infrastructure, training support, and talent identification programs. The recent success in Bengaluru stands as a testament to these efforts and will likely inspire more young athletes to pursue para-sports professionally.
