TGS Pavani Wins Historic Gold at WASG 2025, Sets Asian Record
- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
TGS Pavani’s Stellar Show at the World Ability Sport Games 2025
The World Ability Sport Games (WASG) 2025, a premier global platform for athletes with disabilities, proved to be a milestone event for Indian para‑sports when Telangana’s own TGS Pavani emerged as a shining star. According to the detailed coverage by The Hans India, Pavani not only clinched the gold medal in the women’s 100‑metre sprint (T54 class) but also set a new Asian record with a blistering time of 12.93 seconds, edging out her closest competitor by a mere 0.02 s. Her performance was lauded as a historic moment for India, marking the first gold in the sprint category at the WASG.
A Quick Snapshot of the Games
The WASG 2025 was held in Osaka, Japan, from 8–14 June, featuring over 1,200 athletes representing 47 nations across 12 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and para‑archery. The Games were organised under the patronage of the International Paralympic Committee and served as a key benchmark for athletes aiming to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In the lead‑up to the Games, The Hans linked to the official WASG website and the International Paralympic Committee page, providing readers with contextual information about event structure, classification systems, and historical performances.
Pavani’s Path to the Podium
Pavani, whose full name is Pramodini S. G. V., is a 23‑year‑old para‑athlete from Hyderabad who has battled a congenital limb deficiency since birth. She entered the world of competitive wheelchair racing at the age of 12, quickly rising through the national ranks. The article highlighted her rigorous training regimen—five sessions a week, a blend of strength conditioning, sprint drills, and strategy sessions with coach K. S. Rao—and her unwavering determination to break the glass ceiling for Indian women in para‑sports.
According to the interview section of the article, Pavani credited her success to a holistic support system: the National Paralympic Committee of India scholarship, assistance from the Telangana State Sports Council, and mentorship from former Indian wheelchair champion Aditi Reddy. “It was not just about the speed on the track,” she said. “It was about the mental resilience that the state programmes helped me build.” This personal anecdote, sourced from a post‑race interview on the The Hans portal, added a human dimension to her achievements.
The Race that Made History
Pavani’s gold‑medal race took place on the final day of the athletics programme. The field comprised 12 competitors, with the defending champion from the USA, Mary L. Jones, and the bronze‑medallist from Australia, Catherine O’Neill, as her main rivals. The article’s race recap, supplemented by a link to the official WASG Results page, detailed the split times:
- Pavani: 12.93 s (Gold, Asian Record)
- Jones: 12.95 s (Silver)
- O’Neill: 13.01 s (Bronze)
The razor‑thin margins underscored the high level of competition and highlighted Pavani’s exceptional start and acceleration phases. After the finish, a moment of silence was observed for the athletes who had withdrawn from the Games due to injuries, a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by para‑athletes worldwide.
Beyond the Track: Impact and Future Aspirations
The article went on to explore the broader significance of Pavani’s victory. The Indian Government’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had earmarked funds for the next wave of para‑athletes following this win, signalling a renewed focus on nurturing talent in less‑represented disciplines. A link to the Government Announcement page was provided, illustrating the policy shift.
Pavani herself expressed ambitions for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. “I’m aiming to break the world record,” she said, referring to the current world best of 12.76 s set by an athlete from Germany. The article quoted the International Paralympic Committee’s Ranking page, confirming that Pavani’s current world ranking is 5th in the T54 100‑metre sprint, making her one of the top contenders for the upcoming Games.
Community Reaction and Celebrations
Back home, the city of Hyderabad erupted in celebration. The article noted that a local assembly declared a “Pavani Day”, and the Hyderabad Sports Complex organized a special event where the athlete received a trophy presented by the state Governor. Social media reactions, captured through links to Twitter and Instagram, showcased an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and prominent sports personalities such as Dara Singh and Sonal Babu.
Closing Thoughts
In summarising the article’s breadth, it is clear that TGS Pavani’s triumph at the World Ability Sport Games 2025 is more than a personal victory—it is a landmark moment for Indian para‑sports, reflecting the growing infrastructure, community support, and ambition that define the country’s emerging presence on the global stage. The Hans India coverage, enriched with links to official sources, official results, and policy announcements, paints a comprehensive picture of an athlete who has turned personal adversity into a source of national pride and global inspiration.
Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/sports/tgs-pavani-shines-at-world-ability-sport-games-2025-1026016 ]