Silver feels like Platinum: Yogesh Kathuniya finds peace in progress through process

The 28-year-old has now won five consecutive silver medals at Worlds and Paralympics combined.

Yogesh Kathuniya has once again proven why he is one of India’s most consistent para-athletes in track and field. He displayed his brilliance at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, taking place for the first time in India.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday, Kathuniya earned the silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event with a throw of 42.49m, finishing behind Brazil’s Claudiney Batista dos Santos, who recorded 45.67m on his third attempt to win the event.

With that, the 28-year-old bagged his fourth overall medal at the World Para Athletics Championships and his third consecutive silver.

Also Read: Yogesh Kathuniya bags silver at World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in Men’s F56 Discus Throw

In the post-event interview, Kathuniya shared his thoughts candidly on winning a medal at the home championships, competing in front of his family and fans, his favourite athlete and others (Translated from Hindi to English).

Winning the Worlds medal on home soil

Kathuniya expressed his excitement over winning a medal at the World Championships on home soil, saying, “I’m thrilled to have won the silver medal. Competing on home ground gives a completely different feeling.

“Everyone, including my family, came to watch, which made it even more special. The crowd’s energy was incredible, they were cheering, celebrating with us. It feels amazing to bring home this medal.”

What was it like being cheered on by family, local crowd and students?

The two-time Paris Paralympics silver medalist also talked about how cheering from loved ones and spectators boosts him and pushes him to perform at his best, adding: “It’s even more motivating when your family and everyone around you is cheering you on.

“It gives a huge boost, an adrenaline rush and reminds you that you have to perform at your best because people are watching and supporting you.”

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Reaction to third straight silver medal and gold remaining elusive

Yogesh Kathuniya has won multiple silver medals at various international competitions, although the elusive gold has remained just out of reach. On being asked about his latest silver, Kathuniya responded positively, likening it to platinum:

“For me, this silver feels like platinum. My progress has been steady with no setbacks. The graph is straight, so I have no regrets. Earlier, people often asked when I would win gold, and I used to say it will come. Now, I focus on the process, play freely and simply enjoy competing.”

Despite having lost the gold on several occasions to the same opponent, Batista dos Santos, Kathuniya doesn’t hold any hard feelings. Instead, he mentioned having a good relationship with Dos Santos and all his other competitors.

Also Read: Simran Sharma and the Paralympic dream that changed her life

Athletes who inspire him

When asked about his favourite athlete, Yogesh Kathuniya shared that it was javelin thrower Sachin Yadav, who has been both a friend and an inspiration to him. Kathuniya added that it was also Yadav who introduced him to para-sports.

The 25-year-old Yadav recently had an impressive campaign at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, finishing fourth in the men’s javelin throw. This was also the highest placement by an Indian in any event who competed at this year’s global championship.

Plans on shifting to javelin throw?

Kathuniya had earlier mentioned in an interview that he was considering a major shift in his athletic focus. In a recent interview, he said: “After the Asian Games next year, I will probably [focus on javelin].” Notably, the Asian Para Games are scheduled to take place from October 18 to 24, 2026, in Nagoya, Japan.

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