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A growing discipline
Since its exclusion from the Tokyo 2020 Games, World Sailing has continued to strengthen its strategy around inclusive sailing. In five years, para-sailing has undergone a major expansion, with 39 nations now competing in the five IPC (International Paralympic Committee) zones, compared with 28 previously. The number of events has also exploded, rising from 57 in 2022 to 111 in 2025, illustrating the growing interest in this discipline.
The increase in participation is equally impressive. More than 400 para-sailors now compete regularly around the world, an increase of 200% on previous years.
A strategy driven by inclusion and training
Since 2023, 256 athletes and coaches from 40 countries have been supported through an inclusive development program. One of the stated objectives is also to move towards gender parity, with female participation currently standing at 34%.
In 2025, World Sailing also organized the very first World Sailing Inclusion Championships, a new international competition designed to highlight accessibility and diversity in the sport of sailing.
Prestigious events such as the America's Cup have recently made strong commitments to inclusive sailing. This important recognition contributes to the bid's credibility with the Paralympic Committee.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, sums up the essence of the message conveyed by the discipline:
"Few sports offer such an inspiring backdrop. Para sailing embodies freedom, resilience and performance. "
A more structured, flexible model
The bid submitted to the Paralympic Committee is based on a complete overhaul of the para-sailing model: strengthened governance, expanded competitive calendar, modernized approach aligned with IPC priorities, to make it a discipline fully integrated with Paralympic standards.
"It's vital that we show how World Sailing has listened to and implemented the Paralympic Committee's feedback." says Quanhai Li, President of World Sailing.
With a clear international dynamic, a growing number of athletes, dedicated championships and a strong will on the part of the federation, para-sailing could well make its long-awaited return to the Paralympic scene as early as 2032, in Brisbane.
In the meantime, initiatives in the fields of accessibility, local development and training will continue to drive forward the development of this sport, at the crossroads of sporting and human values.
