Odisha: 20th National Para Athletics Championship begins in Bhubaneswar

20th National Para Athletics Championship began at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

"For the first time, 25 per cent of women players are participating. This event will help in grooming new talent for games like the Asian Para Games," said the President, Paralympic Committee of India.

The three-day event will run from March 28 to March 31 and will witness 1200 athletes representing different states, with a record number of women on the roster.

As per the Paralympic Committee of India state wise enrolment statistics, there are around 763 athletes with physical disabilities, 153 Visually Impaired athletes, 44 athletes with Cerebral Palsy, 7 athletes with Intellectual Disabilities and 20 short stature athletes.

This year, the championship will witness 18 per cent being wheelchair athletes.

The athletes will compete in multiple events across 12 disciplines in 185 categories, from 100m/200m/400m/800m/1500m/5000m, Javelin, Shot put Throw to Discus Throw, High Jump and Long Jump.

The championships are expected to churn out talent for the forthcoming Commonwealth games, and Asian para games which are going to be held later this year.

( With inputs from ANI )