India’s performance at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships, held in Dubai, UAE, was a remarkable achievement, showcasing the strength and determination of Indian athletes in para-athletics. India won a total of nine medals, consisting of two golds, two silvers, and five bronzes, making it one of the most successful outings for Indian para-athletes on the global stage.
Here are the key highlights and details of India’s performance at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships:
India’s medal haul at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships helped raise the country’s profile in para-sports and demonstrated the depth of talent among Indian para-athletes.
Sumit Antil made history by winning India’s first-ever gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in men’s javelin throw (F64 category).
He clinched the gold medal with an impressive throw of 66.85 meters, a personal best that also secured him a qualification spot for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Sumit Antil’s performance was one of the standout moments for India, marking the country’s growing strength in para-athletics.
Sundar Singh Gurjar also grabbed a gold medal in the men’s javelin throw (F46 category) with a throw of 60.36 meters.
His win was significant as it added to India’s strong javelin throw contingent and demonstrated the country’s strength in field events within para-athletics.
Devender Singh Kadian won a silver medal in the men’s shot put (F52 category) with a throw of 10.31 meters. This was a solid performance, and it marked an important achievement for India in para-throwing events.
Vinod Kumar secured silver in the men’s discus throw (F52 category), with a best throw of 19.91 meters. His podium finish was a crucial contribution to India’s medal tally.
Ekta Bhyan earned a bronze medal in the women’s club throw (F51 category), marking a significant achievement for Indian women in para-athletics.
Kavita Yadav won a bronze in the women’s shot put (F57 category). Her performance was a key addition to India’s para-athletics success in field events.
Mariyappan Thangavelu, the Rio 2016 Paralympic champion, added a bronze to his collection by finishing third in the men’s high jump (T42) category. Though he did not win gold this time, his performance was still an important achievement for India’s athletics program.
Ravina, competing in the women’s long jump (T47) event, secured a bronze medal, showcasing India’s rising presence in track events as well as field events at the para-athletics level.
Rinku, in the women’s discus throw (F44 category), grabbed another bronze for India, contributing to the country’s impressive medal tally in the throwing events.
Record-Breaking Participation: The 2019 World Para Athletics Championships marked an important chapter for India’s para-athletes, as they secured a top spot in the global competition with a total of 9 medals. This achievement highlighted the growing importance of para-athletics in India’s sports ecosystem.
Qualification for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: Many of the medal-winning performances, especially those from Sumit Antil, Sundar Singh Gurjar, and Vinod Kumar, helped them secure qualification spots for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, which further elevated the significance of the Championships in India’s road to the Paralympic Games.
Increased Recognition of Para-Sports in India: India’s success in Dubai raised awareness and support for para-athletes and para-sports, both in the Indian media and among the public. The athletes’ achievements showed that India could be a dominant force in Para Athletics at a global level.
Government and Institutional Support: The success of Indian athletes in the Championships demonstrated the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at supporting para-athletes, including better infrastructure, training, and access to international competition. It also reinforced the growing emphasis on para-sports development within India.
India’s nine-medal performance at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, UAE, was an exceptional achievement that placed the country in the spotlight in the world of para-athletics. The two golds, two silvers, and five bronzes secured by Indian athletes, especially in javelin throw, discus throw, and shot put, demonstrated the country’s growing prowess in these events.
The Championships also set the stage for Indian athletes to continue their momentum into the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and future international competitions. It marked a significant step forward for India’s journey in para-sports and underscored the talent and dedication of the country’s para-athletes.
