Asian Para Games 2023: Sharath Shankarappa clinches gold in men's 5000m T13 event

Ravi Rongali and Pramod won silver medals in shot put and 1500m respectively.

The Indian athletics contingent continued to fetch medals on day 2 of Asian Para Games 2023. Sharath Shankarappa clinched a historic gold in men's T13 5000m event by clocking 20:18.90. Only two athletes entered the event and Mabeel Maqableh from Jordan missed out on winning gold by slightest of margin. The Indian covered good distance and surged ahead in the last few meters.

Earlier in the day, Ravi Rongali won silver in men's F40 shot put while Parmod clinched silver in men's T46 1500m. Compatriot Rakesh Bhaira after staying away from the podium for majority of the race won bronze in the same event.

Ravi Rongali on his way to the silver medal run registered a personal best mark 9.92m. On the other hand, Parmod ,23, in his maiden Asian Games meet clocked an impressive personal best timing 04:09.25. The athlete from Sirsa, Haryana started his career as a kabaddi player but due to an unfortunate accident, he lost his hand.

However, he did not give up but later chose to take up athletics. He took up the sport by getting inspired by India's greatest parathlete Devendra Jhajharia. Prior to taking part in the Continental Games, Parmod won gold medal at the Indian Open Para Athletics Championship held earlier this year. Since 2021, the 23-year-old has taken part in the National meets regularly and has always medaled in National Para Athletics Championship.

Apart from athletics, the shooting contingent won three medals - two in men's pistol followed by bronze in women's section.