India’s Dharambir catapulted himself into history books with a sensational gold medal win in the men’s club throw F51 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
A Victory of Records
While the 35-year-old boy from Sonipat, Haryana, won gold and topped the podium, the sensational throw of 34.92m also broke the Asian record. And just for kicks? He did it on his fifth attempt – talk about saving the best for last!
Double Delight for India
And here comes the cherry on the cake: compatriot Pranav Soorma took the silver, thus ensuring a fantastic 1-2 finish for India. The victory took India’s medal count to 24 in this particular edition of the Paris Paralympic Games-higher than ever for the nation! As such, India has moved up to an overall ranking of 13th and is having quite a time in the Paris Paralympics.
Dharambir’s Story: An Inspiring One
Dharambir’s tale goes far beyond the winning throw. Quite literally, a tragic accident while diving in a canal in his village that left him without the use of his lower body below the waist saw him take life lying down; he soared over. Guided by mentor and para-athlete Amit Kumar Saroha, Dharambir dived head-first into para-sports in 2014, qualifying for the 2016 Rio Paralympics just two years later. Thence, he has picked up medals right, left, and center, including two silvers each at the Asian Para Games and a bronze at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships.
Resilience Pays Off
Indeed, he has achieved some serious success, and no wonder it saw him snatching the Bhim Award in 2022. With government support behind him, Dharambir surely proved that nothing was too big-or too far away-for him to surmount.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
