Paris Paralympics 2024: Yogesh Kathuniya Wins Silver in Men's Discus Throw F56

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Indian para-athlete Yogesh Kathuniya continued his stellar run on the global stage by securing a silver medal in the Men's Discus Throw F56 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Kathuniya's best throw of 42.22 meters, achieved in his very first attempt, earned him the silver, adding another chapter to his inspiring journey in para-sports. With this, India's medal tally has reached 8 with 1 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze.

A Season-Best Performance from Kathuniya

Kathuniya's performance in Paris was a display of consistency and determination. He registered his season-best throw of 42.22 meters on his first attempt, setting the tone for the competition. His subsequent throws were solid, with distances of 41.50m, 41.55m, 40.33m, 40.89m, and 39.68m. Though none surpassed his initial mark, it was enough to secure him the silver medal.

Men's Discus Throw F56 event Medalists

The gold medal in the event went to Claudiney Batista of Brazil, who set a new Paralympic record with a remarkable throw of 46.86 meters. Greece's Konstantinos Tzounis claimed the bronze with a throw of 41.32 meters, narrowly missing out on silver.

Yogesh Kathuniya's Journey of Resilience

Yogesh Kathuniya's story is one of resilience and determination. Born to Meena Devi and Gyanchand Kathuniya, an Indian Army soldier, Yogesh's life took a dramatic turn at the age of nine when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that left him temporarily paralyzed. Despite the challenges, his mother learned physiotherapy to aid his recovery, and by the age of 12, Yogesh had regained the ability to walk.

His educational journey took him to the Indian Army Public School in Chandigarh and later to Kirori Mal College in Delhi, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. It was during his college years that Yogesh was introduced to para sports by Sachin Yadav, the General Secretary of the students' union at Kirori Mal College. Yadav's encouragement and inspiration from para-athlete videos motivated Yogesh to pursue a career in para athletics.

Yogesh Kathuniya's rise in para athletics has been nothing short of remarkable. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he set a world record with a throw of 45.18 meters at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin. This performance made him a force to be reckoned with in the sport.

In the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Yogesh further solidified his status by winning a silver medal in the Men's Discus Throw F56 event with a throw of 44.38 meters. His achievements were recognized when he was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in November 2021.

Kathuniya's medal haul also includes silver at the Asian Para Games in 2022 and the World Para Athletics Championship in 2023. He has consistently dominated national events, clinching gold medals at the Indian Open in 2019, 2022, and 2023.