New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Transformed for Para Championships

New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has undergone a significant transformation, revealing a new two-toned Mondotrack in shades of blue, replacing the old orange surface that has been in use since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This upgrade, inaugurated on August 27, 2023, is part of a broader refurbishment ahead of the World Para Athletics Championships, set to commence on September 27.

The revamped track features alternating hues of dark and light blue, which serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. According to Satyapal Singh, chief coach of the Indian Para Athletics team, “The most important part of any athletics stadium is the surface because it directly affects performance. Every Olympic and Paralympic Games takes place on a Mondotrack. It can improve performance by around 10 per cent.” Singh emphasized that the track’s installation, costing approximately Rs. 50 crore as part of the overall Rs. 80 crore refurbishment, was a necessary investment the Sports Ministry recognized.

Enhanced Accessibility for Para-Athletes

This renovation prioritizes accessibility for para-athletes. Originally built for the 1982 Asian Games, the stadium now includes modified throwing and jumping areas, upgraded seating, widened lifts, and redesigned restrooms. “The goal is to make the complex not just accessible to differently abled athletes but ‘para-friendly’,” said Devendra Jhajharia, president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

Significant changes have been made, such as widening jumping pits from 3 to 3.5 meters, allowing for greater accommodation of para-athletes’ needs. Throwing circles have been enhanced with anchor points for seated competitors. Singh noted that “zero labeling” has been implemented on the track to ensure that wheelchair users and visually impaired athletes can navigate without obstacles.

The PCI anticipates around 350 wheelchair competitors, including 200 who use wheelchairs daily. To accommodate this, officials secured hotel accommodations with essential accessibility features, such as level floors and extra-wide bathrooms, which are scarce in Delhi.

Planning for a More Inclusive Future

Inside the stadium, 20 of the 40 washrooms have been made fully accessible, while the remaining are semi-accessible. Lifts designed for wheelchair users are being installed, and an entire first-floor gallery will accommodate up to 500 wheelchair-bound athletes and coaches. Singh emphasized that “a wheelchair athlete can sit anywhere,” enhancing their overall experience.

The complexity of para athletics necessitates meticulous planning. While able-bodied competitions feature 48 events, para athletics boasts 186 events, making the organization significantly more intricate. Singh explained that rules vary for each event and disability, requiring specialized officiating. Nearly 180 technical officials have received training in preparation for the championships, with 150 set to officiate during the events.

A notable concern remains regarding the longevity of these improvements. Indian sports infrastructure has often struggled with maintenance after major events. Singh, however, is optimistic, stating, “After the Games, para athletes will benefit from the same accessible gyms, toilets, and tracks. When people see these facilities, their perspective will change.”

For para-athletes like gold medallist Ekta Bhyan, the hope is that these changes will inspire a nationwide push for accessibility. “It’s a great start at JLN, but it’s important that it doesn’t stop there,” she remarked. Jhajharia shared this vision, believing that the success of the JLN Stadium could prompt officials and administrators to pursue similar upgrades in other facilities.

The World Para Athletics Championships at Nehru Stadium aims to create new memories, following the legacy of significant events like the 1982 Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. “This is just the beginning,” Jhajharia said. “When officials see how well JLN has been made accessible, they will ask, ‘Why can’t we do this too?’”