Why Fewer Foreign Athletes Turned Up at New Delhi 2026 Para Athletics Grand Prix - Paul Fitzgerald Explains | Exclusive

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New Delhi, March 12: The New Delhi 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix has witnessed strong participation from Indian athletes but a relatively smaller overseas presence, raising questions about the competitiveness of the competition.

The event has brought together 257 athletes from eight countries, including India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia and Egypt. The host nation has fielded the largest contingent with 219 athletes, while Russia - competing for the first time under their flag after a long gap - has the second-largest group with 26 participants.

The comparatively low number of foreign athletes in the competition, hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital, has sparked discussion among observers, but organisers say the situation was largely influenced by factors beyond their control.

Speaking to myKhel, Paul Fitzgerald, president of World Para Athletics, attributed the reduced international participation to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

"Yes, we are seeing fewer athletes participating from outside India because athletes from Europe and the West are showing reluctance to travel due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Flights are being delayed or cancelled because of the situation," Fitzgerald told myKhel.

He added that the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict escalation has affected travel routes through the Gulf region, making it difficult for many athletes to commit to the event.

Fitzgerald also pointed out that the timing of the competition coincided with the Holy month of Ramadan, which led some athletes to skip the tournament.

Despite the lower number of international competitors, organisers decided against postponing the Grand Prix.

"Had we planned to reschedule or postpone the event, it would have become very difficult for us to find a suitable window. It would also have been harsh for athletes who had already booked tickets, as cancellations would have cost them a lot of money," the Canadian administrator explained.

Another key factor behind the large Indian contingent was the opportunity for 72 new para athletes to receive official classifications during the competition. Fitzgerald stressed that postponing the event would have negatively affected these athletes.

"Had we postponed the event, these 72 new athletes would have suffered. By competing here, they will get their rankings and have better chances of representing India at international competitions," he added.

Looking ahead, Fitzgerald expressed confidence that the international turnout will improve significantly in future editions of the event.

With the 2028 Summer Paralympics qualification cycle set to begin soon, he expects many more foreign athletes to participate in upcoming Grand Prix events.

"Next year, I'm sure you will see a far better turnout as the LA Paralympics qualification period begins," Fitzgerald said.

While the New Delhi Grand Prix has seen a stronger domestic presence this year, officials remain optimistic that the event will continue to grow as a key fixture on the global para athletics calendar.