Scottish trio all set for Para World Champs action in India

Thursday 25th September 2025

The Novuna GB and NI team are preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi, India, between 26 September and 5 October.

And we are delighted to have three Scottish athletes involved in this major event in Para athletes.

Ben Sandilands will compete in India as the T20 1500m Paralympic champion and defending champion in this event.

Frame Runner Finlay Menzies is set for a thrilling debut on the international stage while wheelchair racer Mel Woods now has significant experience from international competition.

Good luck to Ben, Finlay and Mel and their families, coaches and clubs for the World Para Champs.

The Novuna GB and NI team numbers 37 athletes in total and performance aims are for athletes to win medals at these championships and to support their potential for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.

Last week, Finlay’s training group gave him a Good Luck send-off at training with coach Graeme Reid among those wishing him well (see video below).

Herald coverage on Ben Sandilands

Ben Sandilands has been in good form and is looking forward to his title defence.

‘I feel good going into these World Championships,’ Ben told Susan Egelstaff in an interview for the Herald.

‘With it being so late in the year, it’s been tricky to peak, but hopefully I’ve managed it.

‘My target is to win but if I don’t manage that, then run a PB. I don’t have too many tactics when I go into a race – I’ll just go out there and run and I’ll see where it takes me. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t – but hopefully it works out in Delhi.

‘I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been so that’s a real confidence boost and if I can win a second world title, it will be an even bigger achievement than doing it the first time.’

Captains named for Novuna GB and NI team at Para World Champs

Mel, coached by Rodger Harkins, now has plenty of experience on the international stage.

The wheelchair racer will take on no fewer than three events in Delhi in a busy programme. Mel, who represents Red Star AC, will race the 400m, 800m and 1500m in the T54 category.

Scots at the World Para Champs:

Women

Mel Woods (Rodger Harkins, Red Star) – T54 800m, 400m and 1500m

Men

Finlay Menzies (Graeme Reid, Livingston) – T72 100m and 400m

Ben Sandilands (Steve Doig, Fife) – T20 1500m

+++

Tags: Ben Sandilands, Finlay Menzies, India, Mel Woods, World Para Champs