Dharambir Breaks Asian Record to Win Gold, Pranav Soorma Takes Silver in Club Throw at Paris Paralympics
Dharambir made history at the Paris Paralympics on September 4, 2024, by shattering the Asian record in the men's F51 club throw event, securing a gold medal with a remarkable throw of 34.92 meters. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph for the 35-year-old athlete from Sonepat but also highlighted India's dominance in the event, as his compatriot Pranav Soorma clinched the silver medal with a throw of 34.59 meters
Image Credit: The Hindu
Dharambir's Journey to Gold
Dharambir's path to victory was not without its challenges. After fouling his first four attempts, he faced immense pressure during his fifth and final throw. Demonstrating resilience and determination, he launched the club to a distance that not only secured him the gold but also set a new Asian record. This victory is a significant milestone in Dharambir's career, which includes a bronze medal at the World Championships and participation in the previous two Paralympics, where he finished ninth in 2016 and eighth in 2020
His journey to becoming a champion was marked by a life-altering accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Introduced to para-sports by fellow athlete Amit Kumar Saroha, Dharambir quickly found his footing in club throwing, qualifying for the 2016 Rio Paralympics within two years of starting his training. His dedication and hard work have since earned him multiple accolades, including a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games
Pranav Soorma's Silver Performance
Pranav Soorma, 29, from Faridabad, also showcased exceptional skill in the competition. After suffering a spinal cord injury at the age of 16 due to an accident, Soorma turned to para-athletics, where he has found considerable success. His best throw of 34.59 meters came on his first attempt, but he was unable to surpass Dharambir's record-setting performance. Soorma's journey has been inspiring, as he has previously won medals at various international competitions, including a gold at the Serbia Open in 2023 and a silver at the 2019 Beijing Grand Prix
The Competitive Landscape
The F51 club throw event is designed for athletes who experience significant movement limitations in their trunk, legs, and hands. Competitors perform seated, relying solely on their upper body strength to propel the wooden club as far as possible. In this event, Serbia's Filip Graovac secured the bronze medal with a throw of 34.18 meters, showcasing the high level of competition among the athletes
Amit Kumar Saroha, another prominent Indian para-athlete and mentor to Dharambir, finished last in the event with a best throw of 23.96 meters. Despite his disappointing performance, Saroha's role in guiding younger athletes like Dharambir and Soorma has been crucial in their development and success
India's Paralympic Performance
Dharambir's gold medal and Soorma's silver contribute to India's impressive medal tally at the 2024 Paralympics. As of now, India has secured a total of 24 medals—five gold, nine silver, and ten bronze—placing the nation 13th in the overall standings. This performance marks India's best-ever showing at the Paralympics, with three days of competition still remaining, indicating the potential for further success
The achievements of Dharambir and Soorma not only highlight their personal journeys but also reflect the growing prominence of para-sports in India. With increased support and recognition, Indian para-athletes are making their mark on the global stage, inspiring future generations to pursue their sporting dreams despite challenges
In conclusion, Dharambir's record-breaking performance and Pranav Soorma's commendable silver finish exemplify the spirit of perseverance and excellence in para-sports. Their success at the Paris Paralympics serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication, bringing pride to their country and inspiring countless others.
