Navdeep Sails to Silver in Men's Javelin Throw at Paris Paralympics

Navdeep Sails to Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw at Paris Paralympics

India’s Navdeep Sails to Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw at Paris Paralympics

India’s Navdeep Singh has etched his name in the annals of Paralympic history by securing a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw (F41) event at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. With a personal best effort of 47.32m, Navdeep propelled India to its 29th medal and second for the day, elevating the nation to 18th place in the medal tally.

The 23-year-old para-athlete from Haryana began the competition with a foul but quickly regained his composure, unleashing a throw of 46.39m in his second attempt, which catapulted him to second place. However, it was his third throw that sent shockwaves through the stadium.

With a remarkable heave of 47.32m, Navdeep shattered the Paralympic record and surged into the lead. The stadium erupted in thunderous applause as the Indian flag waved proudly. However, Iran’s Beit Sayah Sadegh had the final say, surpassing Navdeep’s mark with a record-breaking effort of 47.64m in his fifth attempt, securing the gold medal.

Navdeep’s silver medal adds to India’s impressive medal haul at the Paralympics, which now stands at six gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze. This achievement solidifies India’s position as a formidable force in the quadrennial extravaganza.

Navdeep’s journey to the podium has been marked by unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing physical challenges, he has dedicated himself to his sport, honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of human potential. His success serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating that anything is possible with hard work and belief.

Indian Shot-Put Hero Hokato Sema Wins Bronze at Paralympics

Indian Shot-Put Hero Hokato Sema Wins Bronze at Paralympics

Indian shot-putter Hokato Sema, a landmine blast survivor, has etched his name in history by securing a bronze medal for India at the Paralympic Games in Paris. The 40-year-old Army man from Dimapur, Nagaland, achieved his career-best throw of 14.65 meters in the men’s F57 category final on Friday.

Sema’s journey to the podium has been marked by resilience and determination. In 2002, while participating in an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir’s Chowkibal, he lost his left leg in a landmine blast. However, this setback did not deter him from pursuing his passion for sports.

In 2016, at the age of 32, Sema was encouraged by a senior army official at the Pune-based Artificial Limb Centre to take up shot put. He quickly showed promise and soon began competing in national para athletics championships.

At the Paralympics, Sema started with a mediocre throw of 13.88 meters. But he quickly found his rhythm, touching the 14-meter mark on his second throw and improving further with a heave of 14.40 meters. His best throw came in his fourth attempt, surpassing his personal best of 14.49 meters and securing him the bronze medal.

Iran’s Yasin Khosravi, the two-time para world champion and Hangzhou Para Games gold medalist, clinched the top spot with a Paralympic record of 15.96 meters. Brazil’s Thiago Dos Santos took the silver with his best throw of 15.06 meters.

Sema’s success is a testament to his indomitable spirit and the power of sports to transform lives. He has become an inspiration for countless others who have faced adversity and overcome challenges.

Indian Sprinter Simran Sharma Storms into Paralympic 200m Final

Indian Sprinter Simran Sharma Storms into Paralympic 200m Final

Simran Sharma, India’s reigning world champion in the women’s 200m T12 race, has effortlessly secured her place in the final at the Paralympic Games in Paris. On Friday, she clocked an impressive time of 25.03 seconds, showcasing her exceptional speed and determination.

Simran’s journey to the final began with a dominant performance in her heat, where she emerged victorious with a time of 25.41 seconds. This remarkable achievement propelled her into the semifinals, where she faced off against Germany’s Katrin Mueller-Rottgardt, who had narrowly defeated her in the 100m final the previous night.

Undeterred by her previous encounter with Mueller-Rottgardt, Simran displayed unwavering focus and determination. She surged ahead from the starting line, maintaining a steady pace throughout the race. Her unwavering spirit and relentless drive carried her across the finish line in a time that secured her a spot in the final.

Simran’s triumph is a testament to her unwavering resilience and the challenges she has overcome throughout her life. Born prematurely with visual impairment, she faced numerous obstacles, including her father’s chronic illness and eventual passing. These difficult experiences instilled in her an indomitable fighting spirit and a deep desire to triumph over adversity.

The T12 classification in the Paralympics is reserved for athletes with visual impairments. Simran’s journey began prematurely, spending the first 10 weeks of her life in an incubator, where her visual impairment was discovered. Despite the challenges she faced, Simran’s determination remained unwavering.

Her breakthrough moment came at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championship, where she competed despite the fear of losing her father. Although she suffered the loss of her father shortly after returning from the event, she channeled her grief into motivation, determined to honor his memory through her achievements.

Simran’s story is an inspiration to all who face adversity. Her unwavering spirit, resilience, and determination serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and a belief in oneself. As she prepares for the final, Simran carries the hopes and dreams of her nation, ready to showcase her exceptional talent and inspire countless others.

Indian Powerlifter Kasthuri Rajamani Finishes Eighth in Paralympic Women's 67kg Event

Indian Powerlifter Kasthuri Rajamani Finishes Eighth in Paralympic Women’s 67kg Event

India’s Kasthuri Rajamani, a 40-year-old powerlifter from Tamil Nadu, participated in the women’s 67kg event at the Paralympic Games in Paris on Friday. Despite equaling her personal best lift of 106kg in her second attempt, Rajamani finished eighth among nine competitors.

Rajamani’s journey to powerlifting began when a para shooter friend encouraged her to take up the sport. She subsequently won gold in the 67kg category at the Khelo India Para Games last year. However, at the Hangzhou Para Games in 2023, she placed fifth.

In the Paris Paralympics, China’s Yujiao Tan, a two-time Paralympic champion and four-time world championship gold medalist, dominated the event. Tan set a new world and Paralympic record with a lift of 142kg, securing her third consecutive title at the global showpiece.

Egypt’s Fatma Elyan claimed the silver medal with a best lift of 139kg, while Brazil’s Fatima de Maria earned the bronze with a lift of 133kg.

Rajamani’s performance, while not resulting in a medal, showcased her determination and resilience. She has demonstrated the potential for Indian athletes to excel in powerlifting at the international level.

Harvinder Singh, Preethi Pal to be India's Flag Bearers at Paralympics Closing Ceremony

Harvinder Singh, Preethi Pal to be India’s Flag Bearers at Paralympics Closing Ceremony

Gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal, who made history by becoming the first-ever Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics, will be the country’s flag bearers during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games on Sunday.

Harvinder, 33, who had also scripted history by becoming the first Indian archer to clinch a gold at the Paralympics to add to the bronze he won in Tokyo in 2021, said carrying the country’s flag during the closing ceremony was the highest honor he could have dreamed of.

“Winning gold for India has been a dream come true, and now leading our nation as a flag-bearer at the closing ceremony is the highest honor I could imagine. This victory is for everyone who believed in me, and I hope to inspire many more to pursue their dreams,” said the Haryana-based Harvinder, who has impairment in both legs since he was a toddler.

Preethi, 23, who clinched bronze medals in women’s T35 100m and 200m competitions with personal best timings of 14.21 and 30.01 seconds respectively, said she was thrilled with the news.

“It is a great honor to represent India as a flag bearer. This moment is not just about me; it’s about every para-athlete who has pushed their limits to make our nation proud. I am thrilled to be leading our incredible team at the closing ceremony.” Preeti, born in Uttar Pradesh, is a T35 athlete, who suffers from coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

The Indian contingent’s chef de mission Satya Prakash Sangwan said in a statement that the two athletes’ performance will inspire future generations.

“Harvinder Singh’s historic gold in archery and Preethi Pal’s stellar performance in athletics have made them true ambassadors of our nation’s grit and determination.”

“Their role as flag-bearers at the closing ceremony is a symbol of the incredible journey our athletes have undertaken. Their achievements inspire us all, and I am confident they will continue to motivate future generations of para-athletes,” said Sangwan.

India has so far won 26 medals, including six gold and nine silver, which is their best-ever performance at the Paralympics.

Praveen Kumar Soars to Gold in Paris Paralympics High Jump

Praveen Kumar Soars to Gold in Paris Paralympics High Jump

Praveen Kumar, the Indian para-athlete, has etched his name in history by winning a gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 final at the Paris Paralympics. This triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, following his silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Kumar, who hails from Noida, was born with a short leg. Despite this physical challenge, he has demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience throughout his journey. In the T64 category, athletes have movement moderately affected in one lower leg or the absence of one or both legs below the knee.

During the final, Kumar showcased his exceptional athleticism, clearing a season-best jump of 2.08m. This remarkable height also set a new area record. The six-jumper field witnessed intense competition, with USA’s Derek Loccident claiming the silver medal with a jump of 2.06m. Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov secured the bronze medal with a personal best of 2.03m.

Kumar’s triumph is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the unwavering support he has received from his family, coaches, and the Indian Paralympic Committee. His journey serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating that physical limitations cannot hinder the pursuit of dreams.

Indian Para Athletes Shine at Paralympics, Earn Praise from Gagan Narang

Indian Para Athletes Shine at Paralympics, Earn Praise from Gagan Narang

Gagan Narang Lauds Indian Para Athletes’ Performance at Paralympics

London Games bronze medallist shooter and India’s Chef de Mission at the Paris Olympics, Gagan Narang, has expressed his admiration for the country’s para athletes for their exceptional performance at the ongoing Paralympics. The Indian Paralympic contingent has already secured a record 25 medals, including 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze, and currently stands at the 16th position in the medal tally.

Narang praised the para athletes for surpassing the medal tally of the Tokyo Paralympics and expressed his anticipation for more medals in the future. He emphasized the importance of recognizing their achievements and supporting their continued success.

“A fantastic effort by our Paralympians. They surpassed the Tokyo Paralympics medal tally, looking forward for more medals,” Narang said.

When asked about his analysis of the Paris Olympic Games, Narang stated that he had not yet conducted a thorough assessment. He stressed the significance of focusing on the present and supporting the para athletes’ ongoing performance.

“I haven’t done my analysis of the Paris Olympics yet, everybody has spoken about it. But the most important thing right now is that in the Paralympics we are performing well, we are on the 16th position today,” Narang said.

Narang also shared his passion for photography and expressed his appreciation for the photographs displayed at the Media Photojournalist Trust’s photo exhibition event at the Press Club of India. He emphasized the vital role of photographers in journalism and the irreplaceable value of their perspectives.

“Fantastic exhibition indeed, photographers are lifeline of journalism. They give us a perspective and no AI (Artificial Intelligence) can replace them. I wish, pray and help the association to do this function every year. Fantastic effort and great pictures,” Narang concluded.

India's Paralympic Archery Duo Misses Bronze in Shoot-Off

India’s Paralympic Archery Duo Misses Bronze in Shoot-Off

India’s Paralympic archery campaign suffered a setback as the Mixed Team Recurve Open duo of Harvinder Singh and Pooja Jatyan narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in a shoot-off.

Harvinder, the reigning Paralympic champion in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open, and Pooja began strongly, winning the first set 33-30. However, they faltered in the second set, scoring only 29 points, allowing Slovenia’s Ziva Lavrinc and Dejan Fabcic to level the match.

The Indian pair regained the lead in the third set with a 34-38 victory, but they failed to capitalize in the fourth set, scoring only 29 points to Slovenia’s 34.

In the shoot-off, Harvinder and Pooja scored 17 points, while Lavrinc and Fabcic scored 19, securing the bronze medal for Slovenia.

Earlier, Harvinder and Pooja had lost to eventual gold medalists Elkisabetta Mijno and Stefano Travisani of Italy in the semifinals. The Indian duo had also faced a close 5-4 win over Australia’s Taymon Kenton-Smith and Amanda Jennings in the quarterfinals.

Despite the disappointment, Harvinder’s historic gold medal in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open remains a significant achievement for India in Paralympic archery.

Indian Para-Athletes Miss Podium Finishes in Tokyo

Indian Para-Athletes Miss Podium Finishes in Tokyo

India’s Paralympic campaign in Tokyo ended on a bittersweet note as para-athletes Simran Sharma and Ashok narrowly missed out on podium finishes.

Simran Sharma, who had stormed into the women’s 100m T12 final, finished last among the four finalists with a timing of 12.31s. Cuba’s Omara Durand Elias, the world record-holder, claimed gold with a time of 11.81s, followed by Ukraine’s Oksana Boturchuk (12.17s) and Germany’s Katrin Mueller-Rottgardt (12.26s).

Powerlifter Ashok, competing in the men’s 65kg final, finished sixth with a best lift of 199kg. He had successfully lifted 196kg in his first attempt and 199kg in his second, but failed to lift 206kg in his third and final attempt. China’s Yi Zou won gold with a lift of 215kg, while Great Britain’s Mark Swan took silver with 213kg and Algeria’s Hocine Bettir claimed bronze with 209kg.

Despite the disappointing results for Simran and Ashok, India’s para-archery team made history by winning two medals at the Paralympics for the first time. Harvinder Singh won India’s first-ever gold medal in para archery with a straight-set victory over Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek in the men’s individual recurve open final. The Indian para archery team also won a bronze medal in the mixed team recurve open event.

India’s overall performance at the Tokyo Paralympics was a testament to the growing strength and determination of its para-athletes. The country’s record-breaking medal tally of 19 medals, including five golds, eight silvers, and six bronzes, is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of these exceptional individuals.

Indian Para-Athlete Ajeet Singh Yadav Wins Silver at Paris Paralympics

Indian Para-Athlete Ajeet Singh Yadav Wins Silver at Paris Paralympics

Indian para-athlete Ajeet Singh Yadav has etched his name in history by securing a silver medal in the javelin throw F46 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. His remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Yadav’s journey to the podium has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. In 2017, a life-altering accident left him with a severe injury to his left arm. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Yadav found solace in javelin throw. With unwavering focus and dedication, he transformed his misfortune into a source of inspiration.

Four years after the accident, Yadav made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo, finishing eighth. Undeterred, he continued to train relentlessly, overcoming an elbow injury to claim the Para World title in Paris and a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

In 2024, Yadav’s hard work culminated in a bronze medal at the world championships. His momentum carried him to the Paris Paralympics, where he delivered a stunning performance to secure a silver medal. His fifth-round throw of 65.62m surpassed that of his compatriot and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar.

Yadav’s triumph is not only a personal victory but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for countless others who have faced challenges in their lives. His story serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

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