India Unveils Its First Mondo Track: A Game-Changer for Para-Athletics!
Historic Inauguration at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
New Delhi: On Thursday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya officially launched India's inaugural Mondo Track at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is set to host the World Para-Athletics Championships from September 26 to October 5.
With this installation, India joins the ranks of 24 other nations that have adopted this advanced track surface, commonly used in prestigious global athletic events, including the Olympics.
The event saw the presence of notable figures such as Anju Bobby George, a former long jumper and World Championship bronze medalist, along with Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic champion and head of the Paralympic Committee of India, and several other Paralympic medalists including javelin thrower Sumit Antil and sprinters Preethi Pal and Simran Sharma.
Constructed from a dual-layered vulcanized rubber, the track has received acclaim for its consistent elasticity, shock absorption, and anti-slip features, all of which enhance athlete performance while minimizing injury risks.
आज #NationalSportsDay के अवसर पर JLN स्टेडियम में एथलेटिक ट्रैक (मोंडो) का उद्घाटन किया। इस ट्रैक को भारतीय खेल प्राधिकरण की इंजीनियर टीम ने रिकॉर्ड टाइम में बनाया है।
यह ट्रैक सितंबर में यहां आयोजित होने वाली विश्व पैरा एथलेटिक्स चैंपियनशिपस – 2025 के दृष्टिकोण से लाभकारी… pic.twitter.com/vLymk3k1h1
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 29, 2025
Mandaviya expressed that this facility would pave the way for new opportunities in Indian sports.
"This is a significant milestone for our nation, and we take pride in having our own Mondo Track. In the upcoming month, it will host its inaugural competition, and we are preparing to bid for the CWG 2030 and the Olympics 2036, with hopes of receiving approval," he stated to the press.
The Minister emphasized the government's long-term aspirations for sports in India.
"Our goal is to transform India into a sporting powerhouse by 2047," he remarked, outlining plans for talent development and infrastructure enhancement.
Jhajharia also expressed his happiness regarding the track's inauguration.
"As a player, I always dreamed of throwing a javelin on a Mondo Track, and witnessing its inauguration today fills me with pride as an administrator. This will undoubtedly benefit Indian athletes," he shared during his address.
"I also wish everyone a Happy National Sports Day; today, we all committed to staying fit and making India healthier," he added.
Following the inauguration, Mandaviya and the special guests toured the newly constructed track, concluding with a friendly football match where the Minister scored two goals.