Paris Paralympics 2024: Dharambir Nain clinches gold, Pranav Soorma takes silver in men's club throw F51

Their medals took India’s tally to 24 at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Dharambir Nain won India’s fifth gold at the Paris Paralympics 2024 while compatriot Pranav Soorma clinched silver to ensure a 1-2 podium finish for India in the men’s club throw F51 event on Wednesday. Dharambir threw a best distance of 34.92m, with Pranav falling short of that distance by just 0.39m but they ensured India achieve its first-ever medals in Club Throw while also making it a maiden 1-2 finish for the Nation in Paris.

Their success took India’s tally to 24 medals, including five gold — two of which came on Wednesday itself. This is also the first time India managed a top-two podium finish at the Paralympics since Manisha Narwal-Singhraj Adhana’s gold-silver in mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

Double Podium finish for India 🇮🇳 yet again at the #ParisParalympics2024!! 🥇 🥈Dharambir clinches GOLD with best throw of 34.92m while Pranav Soorma takes SILVER with a 34.59 attempt in Men's Club Throw F51 event. 🥳#Paralympics2024 pic.twitter.com/c2y8Iba8NE

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 4, 2024

Dharambir started with four foul throws and is looked like the two-time Asian Para Games medallist was struggling. Three of his first four throws hit the net, while the fourth one went out of bounds. However, things changed dramatically in his very next attempt as the 35-year-old veteran smashed the Asian Area record with a massive throw of 34.92m, soaring into the top position. He also threw above 31 in his final attempt.

Dharambir was paralysed after he crashed into a rock underwater after misjudging the water depth. He started training in para sports and was coached by his compatriot Amit Kumar Saroha, who finished 10th at Paris Paralympics 2024. On the eve of the teacher’s day, Amit will be happy that his student is now a Paralympic champion.

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Pranav, on the other hand, was consistent with his throws and won the silver medal with a best effort of 34.59m, that came in his very first attempt. His remaining throws were 34.19m, X, 34.50m, 33.90m, and 33.70m. The Asian Games gold medalist, who heartbreakingly finished fourth at the World Championships 2024, redeemed himself with a silver-medal finish at Paris.

Pranav was paralysed at the age of 16 after a cement sheet fell on his head. However, he showed some great resistance and willpower to accept the situation that has now helped him win a Paralympic medal.

The bronze medal went to the 53-year-old veteran, Zeljko Dimitrijevic of Serbia, with a best throw of 34.18m. The two-time Paralympic champion couldn’t win the gold but will go home with his fourth Paralympic medal.

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