Paralympian Kathuniya Honors PM Modi as 'Param Mitra'

Paralympian Kathuniya Honors PM Modi as ‘Param Mitra’

Two-time Paralympic silver medalist Yogesh Kathuniya bestowed a heartfelt title upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the PM’s residence. Kathuniya, who recently claimed silver in the F56 category at the World Para-Athletics Championships, expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s unwavering support, calling him “Param Mitra” (best friend).

Kathuniya’s remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he secured a silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw – F56 event with a season-best throw of 42.22m, was a testament to his dedication and resilience. The Prime Minister, recognizing the para-athletes’ exceptional achievements, hosted them at his residence to celebrate their record-breaking haul of 29 medals at the Games.

In a heartfelt address, Kathuniya acknowledged the Prime Minister’s role in fostering a supportive environment for para-athletes. “The consistency (in performance) came because of you; it came because of the schemes you have launched like TOPS, Khelo India etc. For everybody, PM means Prime Minister but for us, you are our ‘param mitra’ (best friend),” he said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in the para-athletes’ accomplishments and emphasized his commitment to supporting their endeavors. “I feel proud for this post and I also want to work as a ‘mitra’ with you all,” he replied.

India’s impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, with seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, marked a significant milestone in the country’s Paralympic history. The contingent surpassed its previous record set at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics (19) and crossed the 50-medal mark, bringing its overall medal tally to 60 (16 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze).

A record 84 para-athletes represented India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, competing across 12 disciplines, three more than at Tokyo 2020. Their determination and unwavering spirit have inspired the nation and set a new benchmark for para-sports in India.

Yogesh Kathuniya Vows to Strengthen Mental Game After Fifth Consecutive Paralympic Silver

Yogesh Kathuniya Vows to Strengthen Mental Game After Fifth Consecutive Paralympic Silver

Indian discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya has expressed the need to enhance his mental fortitude after securing a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, marking his fifth consecutive second-place finish since the Tokyo Games.

Kathuniya, 27, achieved a season-best throw of 42.22m in the discus throw F-56 event, but acknowledged that his mental strength has been lacking. “I have lacked in mental strength. I will have to build up more, just as it was before, in 2022. Since I got injured, due to cervical, it has come down,” he said.

The athlete, who competes from a seated position, has faced challenges including chickenpox and cervical radiculopathy. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to improve. “It’s okay. I am still young. I can easily play two more Paralympics. I will do better. I will change my style this time. I have a World Championship next year. I will perform well next year,” he said.

Kathuniya’s silver medal in Paris follows similar results at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships, as well as the Asian Para Games last year. He believes that participating in more competitions leading up to the Paris Games would have been beneficial. “I think I made a mistake. I should have played a little more competition. I should have played more events. I was not ready. I played only two events this year. I should not have done that.”

Despite his recent string of silver medals, Kathuniya’s hunger for success remains strong. “To be honest, my hunger will never end. Even if I hit 50m, my hunger will not end. I want to show the world that it was Yogesh Kathuniya who crossed 50m in a seated throw, the first person in the world.”

Kathuniya is now planning a two-month break, including a solo trip to Switzerland, to focus on his mental well-being. “I think my mind should be relaxed. And I will have to go away from sports once. So that I can focus more on mental strength.”

Yogesh Kathuniya Clinches Second Consecutive Paralympic Silver in Discus Throw

Yogesh Kathuniya Clinches Second Consecutive Paralympic Silver in Discus Throw

India’s Yogesh Kathuniya has once again proven his mettle on the Paralympic stage, securing a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F-56 event at the ongoing Games. This marks his second consecutive Paralympic silver, adding to his impressive collection of medals.

Kathuniya, 27, began his Paralympic journey in Tokyo three years ago, where he clinched a silver medal with a throw of 44.38m. This time around, he opened his campaign with a season’s best effort of 42.22m, securing his place on the podium.

The F-56 classification encompasses athletes with limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power, and impaired range of movement. Kathuniya’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by resilience and determination. At the age of 9, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that can lead to paralysis.

Despite the challenges, Kathuniya’s mother, Meena Devi, played a pivotal role in his recovery. She learned physiotherapy to help him regain muscle strength and walk again. His father’s service in the Indian Army also instilled in him a spirit of perseverance.

Kathuniya’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds a commerce degree from Delhi’s prestigious Kirori Mal College. In addition to his two Paralympic silver medals, he has also won three world championship medals, including two silver and a bronze.

While Kathuniya may not have been entirely satisfied with his performance on Monday, given his previous best of 44.38m, his silver medal is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his family and coaches.

Brazil’s Claudiney Batista dos Santos, Kathuniya’s toughest competitor, dominated the event, setting a new Games record with a throw of 46.86m. Dos Santos, a three-time world championships gold medalist, has held the Paralympic record in this category since the last edition in Tokyo.

Greece’s Konstantinos Tzounis claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 41.32m, while Slovakia’s Dusan Laczko finished fourth with a best effort of 41.20m.

Yogesh Kathuniya Aims for Gold at Paris Paralympics, Determined to Break Silver Medal Streak

Yogesh Kathuniya Aims for Gold at Paris Paralympics, Determined to Break Silver Medal Streak

Yogesh Kathuniya, India’s Paralympic discus thrower, is determined to break his streak of silver medals and claim gold at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Since winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, Kathuniya has consistently finished second to Brazil’s Claudiney Batista at major competitions, including the World Championships in Paris (2023) and Kobe (2023).

“I have to break this trend and change the silver medal into a gold medal,” Kathuniya said. “I’m not satisfied with silver medals anymore.”

Kathuniya knows that to achieve his goal, he must overcome Batista, who has consistently thrown further than him. In the 2023 World Championships, Batista won gold with a throw of 46.07m, while Kathuniya finished second with 43.17m. In Kobe, Batista threw 45.14m for gold, while Kathuniya, recovering from an injury, managed 41.80m for silver.

Despite the challenges, Kathuniya remains confident in his abilities. He has recorded impressive throws at domestic meets in India, including a personal best of 48.34m in 2022.

“It’s going to be a neck-and-neck fight for the gold medal,” Kathuniya said. “I’m confident that I can give my best in Paris.”

Kathuniya’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by adversity. As a child, he developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological condition that caused muscle weakness and confined him to a wheelchair. With the support of his family, particularly his mother who studied physiotherapy, Kathuniya gradually regained his mobility.

“It’s been a long journey,” Kathuniya said. “But I’m mentally relaxed when I train at home with my family around. That’s why I don’t go abroad for training.”

Kathuniya’s determination and resilience have inspired many. He is a role model for athletes and individuals with disabilities alike, proving that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart