The Paris 2024 Paralympics witnessed a remarkable performance by India’s Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, who secured a silver medal in the men’s shot put F46 event. This achievement not only adds to India’s growing medal tally but also highlights the nation’s emerging prowess in para-athletics.
The Silver-Winning Performance
Breaking Records
Sachin Khilari, the 34-year-old world champion, showcased his exceptional skills by setting a new Asian record of 16.32 meters on his second attempt. This stellar performance secured him the coveted silver medal, cementing his status as one of the top para-athletes in his category.
Fierce Competition
The event saw intense competition among world-class athletes:
- Gold: Canada’s Greg Stewart defended his title with a season-best throw of 16.38m
- Silver: Sachin Khilari (India) with 16.32m
- Bronze: Croatia’s Luka Bakovic with a personal best of 16.27m
It’s worth noting that two other Indian athletes, Mohd Yasser and Rohit Kumar, also participated in the event, finishing eighth (14.21m) and ninth (14.10m) respectively.
Understanding the F46 Classification
The F46 classification in para-athletics is specifically designed for athletes with arm impairments. This category includes individuals with above or below elbow amputations, ensuring fair competition among athletes with similar physical capabilities.
Sachin Khilari: A Journey of Resilience
From Farmer’s Son to Paralympic Medalist
Sachin’s journey to Paralympic success is a testament to his resilience and determination:
- Born into a farmer’s family in Sangli, Maharashtra
- Became disabled in his left hand after a bicycle accident during his school days
- Pursued education, becoming a mechanical engineer
- Contributes to society by helping students prepare for MPSC and UPSC exams
Embracing Para Sports
Sachin’s para-athletics journey began in 2015, and he has since achieved remarkable success:
- Two-time reigning champion
- Gold medalist at the Asian Para Games 2023
- Defeated Greg Stewart for gold at the Para World Championships earlier this year
India’s Paralympic Success
Record-Breaking Performance
Sachin’s silver medal has contributed to India’s impressive showing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics:
- Total medal tally now stands at 21
- Surpassed the previous best of 19 medals from Tokyo 2020
- 11 medals in para-athletics alone