Kobe, Japan – India’s para-athlete Sachin Sarjerao Khilari successfully defended his gold medal in the men’s shot put F46 category, setting an Asian record at the World Para Athletics Championship on Wednesday. This victory propelled India to surpass its best-ever medal haul at the global competition.
India now boasts 11 medals, including five golds, bettering their previous best tally of 10 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze) achieved in Paris in 2023.
Sachin threw the iron ball a remarkable 16.30 meters, surpassing his own Asian record of 16.21 meters set at last year’s World Para Athletics Championship in Paris. The F46 category in para athletics is designated for athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs, requiring them to transmit power from their hips and legs into their throws.
Sachin, hailing from Karagani village in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, lost muscle from his left elbow due to gangrene during his school days. Despite multiple surgeries, his arm never fully recovered.
Reflecting on his achievement, Sachin expressed confidence and ambition. “I was expecting the gold here and I am happy. I have also qualified for Paris Olympics and hope to win gold there also,” he said from Kobe.
On Tuesday, India had a fruitful day, winning five medals to swell their tally to 10 (4 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze). China currently leads the medals tally, followed by Brazil.
The Indian contingent has high hopes for the remaining days of the competition. Head coach Satyanarayan expressed optimism, stating, “We are expecting two more gold medals and hoping to touch the 17-medal mark.”
Among the notable performances, reigning Paralympics champion Sumit Antil defended his F64 javelin throw world title with a throw of 69.50 meters, continuing his dominance in the event. Antil, who hails from Haryana, also holds the current world record with a throw of 73.29 meters, achieved at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last year.
In the same event, compatriot Sandeep won the bronze medal with a throw of 60.41 meters, while Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku took the silver with a throw of 66.49 meters.
Other gold medalists for India include Thangavelu Mariyappan and Ekta Bhyan, who excelled in their respective events. With three more days to go, India’s para-athletes are poised to add more medals to their historic tally, solidifying their standing in the world of para athletics.
