Dharambir and Pranav Soorma's exceptional run at Paris Paralympics

Dharambir and Pranav Soorma put on an unforgettable performance at the Paris Paralympics, securing gold and silver respectively in the men's Club Throw F51, a reverse of their positions at the Para Asian Games last year. Despite starting rough, 35-year-old Dharambir managed an astounding comeback to claim gold, while Pranav, 29, bagged silver with his very first throw.

Athletes participating in the club throw are seated and rely on their remarkable arm strength to hurl the club held between the middle and ring fingers. It was Dharambir's mental fortitude born from adversity that shone through as he, after four foul throws, managed the best throw of the night. His fifth attempt traversed an Asian record-breaking 34.92m, earning him gold just ten years after his introduction to para sports.

Radiating satisfaction, Dharambir had to wait for the nine other competitors to finish their attempts, his journey from a diving accident that left him paralysed to a Paralympic champion culminating into this golden moment.

Meanwhile, world-renowned Serbian participant, Zeljko Dimitrijevic, scored bronze. Although considered a high potential threat due to his history of two gold and one silver in the last three Paralympics, he could not surpass Dharambir's mark, yet managed a commendable 34.18m throw.