At the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships held in Dubai, UAE, India delivered an impressive performance, showcasing the country’s growing strength and determination in the field of para-athletics. This event was a significant milestone for India in the global para-athletics arena, as the athletes demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill.

India’s athletes not only made their mark on the global stage but also earned recognition for their outstanding achievements in various para-athletic disciplines. The 2019 World Para Athletics Championships was an important event leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and India’s strong showing reaffirmed the country’s growing commitment to adaptive sports.

• Total Medals: 9
  • Gold Medals: 2
  • Silver Medals: 2
  • Bronze Medals: 5

1. Gold Medal: Sumit Antil won a gold medal in the men’s javelin throw (F64) event with an impressive throw of 66.72 meters. His victory not only earned him a gold but also set a new world record in the event. Sumit’s gold medal was one of India’s standout performances at the championships, and his remarkable achievement made him one of the top athletes in the para-javelin throw category.
2. Gold Medal: Mariyappan Thangavelu won the gold medal in the men’s high jump (T42) event, clearing a height of 1.86 meters. Thangavelu, a Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medalist, reaffirmed his elite status in para-athletics with another stellar performance.
3. Silver Medal: Sundar Singh Gurjar won a silver medal in the men’s 400m (T44) category, clocking in a time of 47.55 seconds. This was a remarkable achievement for Gurjar, adding another medal to India’s para-athletic success.
4. Silver Medal: Kavita Yadav clinched the silver medal in the women’s 100m (T63) event with a strong performance, contributing another significant result to India’s medal tally at the championships.
5. Bronze Medal: Karamjeet Kaur won a bronze medal in the women’s shot put (F37) event. Her throw of 11.84 meters secured her place on the podium, showcasing her consistent performance in para-field events.
6. Deepa Malik: The veteran para-athlete Deepa Malik secured a bronze medal in the women’s discus throw (F53) event with an impressive throw. Deepa is an established name in para-athletics, and her performance was an important contribution to India’s medal haul.
7. Ajeet Singh: Another notable bronze medalist, Ajeet Singh, secured a bronze medal in the men’s long jump (T44) category, cementing his place as a leading para-athlete in India.
8. Ram Singh Yadav: Ram Singh Yadav secured a bronze medal in the men’s marathon (T54) event, displaying incredible stamina and skill to finish strong in a competitive field.

• Historic Success for Para-Athletics: The 2019 World Para Athletics Championships marked a turning point for India’s para-athletics program, with the country securing two gold medals, a significant achievement in the history of the event. This success was a strong indicator of India’s commitment to the growth of adaptive sports and the recognition of the potential of para-athletes.
• World Record by Sumit Antil: One of the most memorable moments of the event was Sumit Antil’s record-breaking performance in javelin throw, where he not only clinched the gold but also set a new world record, propelling him to international fame.
• Growing Para-Athletics Infrastructure: India’s strong showing at the World Para Athletics Championships reflects the increasing investment in para-athletics infrastructure, training, and support systems. The performance highlighted the country’s growing commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed at the highest levels.
• Inspiration for Future Generations: The performances of athletes like Sumit Antil, Mariyappan Thangavelu, and Karamjeet Kaur have inspired millions of people, both in India and across the world. Their perseverance, dedication, and success have brought increased attention to para-sports, motivating young athletes to pursue their dreams in adaptive sports.

India’s performance at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships was a testament to the country’s progress and determination in adaptive sports. With 2 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals, India demonstrated that it is emerging as a competitive force in the global para-athletics arena. The athletes’ accomplishments not only elevated India’s profile but also paved the way for continued success in future para-athletic events, including the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and beyond.