Double Podium Victory for India at 2024 Paris Paralympics
On a glorious night for India, Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar shone at the men's javelin throw T46 final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The two medals added to India's tally, surpassing their record haul in Tokyo with a total of 20 medals so far in Paris.
Despite high hopes for Rinku Hooda who won silver at the Worlds earlier this year, a triple podium did not eventuate. The gold medal went to 2024 World Champion Guillermo Gonzalez of Cuba, who set a continental record by throwing 66.14m. Ajeet Singh settled for silver with a personal best throw of 65.62m, while Sundar Singh Gurjar, the world record holder, secured bronze with a throw of 64.96m. Hooda finished in fifth place, throwing 61.58m.
From the onset, the competition was intense with only the three Indians and Gonzalez clearing the 60m mark after Round 3. Gonzalez had already secured gold by the second throw of 66.14m, a throw that despite falling short of the Paralympic and World record, was a continental record.
Gurjar, whose record throw of 68.60m won him gold at last year's Para Asian Games, was in contention throughout the event but was disrupted by other medal ceremonies. Ajeet, who finished a distant eighth in Tokyo, surprised all with his stellar performance, throwing his best record of 65.62m and securing a silver medal. Though the Indian spectators were rooting for Gurjar, Ajeet stole the show. The results have added to the joy of the Indian contingent, despite the sight of Hooda finishing in fifth place.
