Historic One-Two Finish for India in Men’s Club Throw at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
In a historic achievement for India, athletes Dharambir and Pranav Soorma secured a gold and silver medal, respectively, in the men’s club throw F51 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, marking India’s first one-two finish in athletics at the Games. This remarkable accomplishment not only signifies a significant milestone for the athletes but also elevates India’s standing by recording the nation’s most successful performance at the Paralympic Games to date, surpassing the previous record established during the Tokyo 2020 Games.
As of now, India has amassed a total of 24 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, comprising five gold, nine silver, and ten bronze medals. In stark contrast, the nation had achieved a tally of 19 medals during the Tokyo 2020 Games, with medals broken down into five gold, eight silver, and six bronze.
Dharambir, aged 35, clinched the gold medal with an outstanding throw of 34.92 meters, which also set an Asian record, accomplished on his fifth attempt at the esteemed Stade de France. His compatriot, Pranav Soorma, delivered a strong performance, securing silver with a throw of 34.59 meters. The club throw event, akin to the hammer throw in the Olympic realm, is an integral part of the Paralympic Games, although it does not feature in the Olympic program.
Competing against Dharambir and Soorma was Serbia’s Zeljko Dimitrijevic, a formidable competitor who had previously won gold at London 2012, and silver at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020; he ultimately settled for bronze in this event with a throw of 34.18 meters. It is noteworthy that athletes competing in the F51 sports class experience impaired muscle power or range of movement and perform the events while seated, showcasing immense resilience and adaptability.
Hailing from Haryana, Dharambir’s journey has been fraught with challenges following a near-fatal accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Misjudging the water’s depth while diving into a canal, he tragically struck the rocks below, altering the trajectory of his life. This victory at Stade de France represents a momentous milestone, as it marks his first gold medal in a major competition, following previous finishes of ninth and eighth in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, respectively. Notably, he had secured a bronze medal at the Para World Championships earlier this year and had previously faced Pranav Soorma, with whom he competed for gold at the Asian Para Games, wherein he earned silver.
Conversely, Pranav Soorma’s life took a drastic turn at the age of 16 when a cement sheet fell on him, resulting in a grave spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Following this harrowing event, he spent six months undergoing medical treatment, and medical professionals informed him that he would never walk again. Over time, Pranav learned to accept his new reality with the aid of a wheelchair, becoming a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the achievements of Dharambir and Pranav Soorma at the Paris 2024 Paralympics not only enhance their personal journeys but also serve as an inspiring narrative of triumph for Indian sports on the global stage. Their extraordinary accomplishments contribute significantly to the nation’s legacy in the Paralympic Games, and their stories resonate deeply with a spirit of perseverance that transcends the field of competition.
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