Yogesh Kathuniya wins silver in Discus Throw F56 at Paris Paralympics 2024

Published at :September 2, 2024 at 5:28 PM

Modified at :September 2, 2024 at 5:28 PM

The 27-year-old, Yogesh Kathuniya, won silver in Tokyo too.

Indian para-athlete Yogesh Kathuniya is making headlines at the Paris Paralympics 2024 where he has secured the silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event. The 27-year-old Yogesh who clinched silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics has now matched that achievement with another silver in this edition.

Kathuniya’s best throw in the competition was 42.22 meters, which he achieved in his very first attempt. Despite his consistent efforts with subsequent throws of 41.50m, 41.55m and 40.33m, Yogesh was unable to surpass his initial mark. His fifth and sixth throws were 40.89m and 39.68m respectively which put him in a strong position.

Medal Alert 🚨Yogesh Kathuniya clinched silver medal in the Discus Throw F56 at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, matching his achievement from 2020 Tokyo Games. This win brings India's total medal count at Paris 2024 to eight.#ParisParalympics2024 #Paralympics2024 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/rgqH7BbWAT
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 2, 2024

The competition format in the discus throw F56 event involves each para-athlete taking six consecutive throws, with the final standings determined by the highest distance achieved. Kathuniya’s silver medal was all but assured after his initial throws, as none of his remaining competitors except Claudiney Batista were able to surpass his personal best of 42.22m.

The reigning Paralympic champion, Batista of Brazil was dominant with a series of consistent throws peaking at an impressive 46.86m which made him the frontrunner for gold.

Born to Meena Devi, a housewife and Gyanchand Kathuniya an Indian Army soldier, Yogesh, at just nine years old developed Guillain–Barré syndrome which severely affected his muscle strength.

His mother’s dedication to learning physiotherapy played a crucial role in his recovery enabling him to regain the ability to walk by 12. Yogesh transitioned to para sports in 2016 motivated by Sachin Yadav who introduced him to the world of para-athletics through inspiring videos.

Yogesh Kathuniya wins silver in Discus Throw F56 at Paris Paralympics 2024

The 27-year-old, Yogesh Kathuniya, won silver in Tokyo too.

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