A Mortar Blast Changed His Life, But Not His Dream: Sagar Thayat Eyes CWG Glory

Glasgow, July 25: Fourteen years ago, Sagar Thayat was a promising able-bodied athlete with dreams of making it big in Indian athletics. Today, after surviving a freak accident, enduring more than 20 surgeries, spending two-and-a-half years in hospital, and rebuilding his life from scratch, the 26-year-old is preparing to represent India in the F43/44 discus throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

His journey is one of resilience, patience and an unwavering refusal to let tragedy define his future.

The Accident That Changed Everything

In 2012, while studying at the Sports College in Dehradun, Thayat's life took an unexpected turn.

The hostel was located next to an Army firing range when a mortar shell was accidentally thrown into the premises, leaving both his ankles severely damaged.

"I was in Dehradun Sports College, adjoining the Army firing ranges, and someone by mistake threw a mortar into the hostel. After that I was in hospital for two-and-a-half years. I had to undergo more than 20 surgeries during that time. I had to drop out of school and rejoined in 2015. Even after that, my recovery took another five to six years," Thayat told SAI Media.

The accident not only halted his sporting career but also interrupted his education. For years, his focus shifted from competing on the track to simply learning to walk and regain mobility.

Finding Hope Through Devendra Jhajharia

A new chapter began in 2019. While reading a newspaper, Thayat came across the story of Devendra Jhajharia, India's legendary javelin thrower and the country's first Paralympic double gold medallist.

That story changed his life. "I got to know about para sports after reading about Devendra Jhajharia sir. Later, when I joined the National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, I got the opportunity to train with him."

Meeting the athlete who inspired him only strengthened his belief that he too could represent India on the international stage.

From Shot Put to Discus

Thayat initially found success in the shot put. At the 2019 National Para Athletics Championships, despite competing as a junior, he won a silver medal in the senior category, earning selection for the World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland.

There, he claimed gold in shot put, while finishing fourth in discus. But a crucial career decision awaited him.

After joining the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Gandhinagar, coaches Madhu Kumar and Sunil advised him to switch events.

Since shot put is not part of the Paralympic programme in his classification, discus offered a clearer pathway to fulfilling his Paralympic dream.

Making His Mark on the International Stage

The move has already paid dividends. Representing Uttar Pradesh at the national level, Thayat has steadily established himself among India's leading para discus throwers.

His achievements include:

• Gold - Dubai Para Athletics Grand Prix (2025)
• Gold - Indian Open Para Athletics International Championships (2026)
• Bronze - Tunisia Para Athletics Grand Prix (2023)

He also registered a personal competition best of 51.93 metres at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.

Yet, the 26-year-old believes his best is still to come. "In training I have thrown between 55 and 56 metres. I am confident I can throw farther than 51.93 metres."

The Role of SAI and His Coach

Thayat credits the National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar for transforming his career. "My training started in earnest at the NCoE. It is a fabulous facility with very good coaching and all the necessary support. It is India's premier facility for para athletes and is very disability-friendly."

Among those who shaped his journey, coach Madhu Kumar occupies a special place. "I have never told him this, but he is my idol. He explains everything so well and always suggests improvements with affection, just like an elder brother. He tells us not to get stressed before competitions and simply trust the training we've done over the years."

Family Behind the Comeback

Behind every comeback story is a support system, and Thayat is quick to acknowledge his family's role. Despite years of rehabilitation and uncertainty, his family never pressured him to seek conventional employment.

Instead, they encouraged him to chase his sporting ambitions. "Everyone at home-my uncle, aunts, father and the rest of my family-supported me throughout. They never insisted that I take up a job and always stood by my decision to pursue athletics."

Eyes on Glasgow

From lying in a hospital bed wondering if he would ever return to normal life to wearing the India jersey on one of sport's biggest stages, Sagar Thayat's journey is already extraordinary.

Now, inspired by Devendra Jhajharia's legacy and driven by his own remarkable resilience, the Uttarakhand-born para athlete hopes Glasgow will become another milestone in a career built on overcoming impossible odds.