In a historic moment for India, Harvinder Singh became the first Indian archer to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, marking a milestone achievement for the country at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Harvinder’s victory came after a flawless performance, defeating Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek 6-0 in the final. His achievement is even more significant as he had previously won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, becoming the first Indian archer to earn a medal in the event. Harvinder, who has a leg impairment due to a childhood illness, has continued to push the boundaries, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Adding to India’s proud tally, club thrower Dharambir set a new Asian record with a 34.92m throw, securing gold in the F51 club throw finals. Dharambir’s performance was outstanding, keeping him at the top of the leaderboard throughout the event. His fellow Indian, Pranav Soorma, also excelled with a throw of 34.59m, securing the silver medal. The F51 classification is for athletes with significant impairments affecting movement in the trunk, legs, and hands.
India’s athletes have performed beyond expectations, with other notable results including Sachin Sarjerao Khilari’s silver in shot put and Pranav Soorma’s silver in club throw. India’s medal haul now stands at 24, marking its best-ever Paralympic performance. With three days remaining in the competition, this record is expected to improve further, as India’s athletes continue to shine on the global stage.
