India has won 18 medals so far in the Championship
The World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi delivered drama. In the men’s T64 high jump, Praveen Kumar leapt for the sky, but a hip injury left him with bronze.
In the women’s F51 club throw, Ekta Bhyan threw her way to silver, while army man Soman Rana hurled a season-best in men’s F57 shot put and later saw his bronze upgraded to silver. The roar of the JLN Stadium crowd turned into a cheer as India’s medal tally reached 18 (six gold, seven silver, five bronze).
Praveen’s bronze: high-jump drama and grit
I’ve watched Praveen mature from a promising youngster to a Paralympic champion. At these World Para Athletics Championships, he wanted another gold to tie India’s record haul.
With the shortest run-up of the field, he hushed the crowd before each jump. He cleared 1.97 m easily but stumbled at 2.00 m on his first attempt; on the second, he sailed over the bar.
At 2.03 m, the pain in his hip was clear; he had been nursing an injury for ten days. After three misses, he had to settle for bronze on countback behind Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov and Britain’s Jonathan Broom-Edwards.
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In the mixed zone, he told us, “I’m not happy with my performance,” conceding that he had trained at 2.05 m but the injury clipped his wings. Moreover, his bronze still added to India’s tally and showed he remains among the world’s best.
His performance embodies the spirit of these World Para Athletics Championships.
Ekta’s silver and Soman’s surprise: medals amid heat and hope
As the sun dipped, Ekta Bhyan rolled onto the runway, aiming to defend her Kobe 2024 title. Her club landed at 19.80 m, her season best.
Ekta couldn’t beat Ukraine’s Zoia Ovsii, who threw 24.03 m to win gold. However, she accepted her silver medal with grace and later mentioned that the humidity made it hard to throw. Also, in the shot-put area, Soman Rana, a soldier who lost his leg in a mine blast in 2006, threw 14.69 m.
Initially given bronze, he successfully protested Brazil’s Thiago Paulino’s 14.82 m throw and saw his medal upgraded to silver. That boost meant India’s silver tally rose to seven and turned a 17-medal promise into an 18-medal reality.
India’s six gold, seven silver and five bronze medals reflect a balanced campaign. Field events contributed 15 of those 18 podium finishes, underscoring India’s strength in throws and jumps.
What 18 medals mean for India – my take?
Finishing sixth overall with six gold, seven silver and five bronze might not sound earth-shattering, but for a country that won 17 medals in Kobe 2024, this is a leap. It proves that investment in coaching and grassroots programmes is paying off.
Watching Praveen, Ekta, and Soman embrace their coaches, I sensed a change: para athletes are finally being celebrated. This medal haul is not just about numbers; it is about visibility.
With 73 Indian athletes competing, more youngsters will see heroes who look like them. Praveen leaped through pain, Ekta threw with grace, and Soman protested for fairness.
I believe these performances will inspire policy-makers to fund accessible facilities so para athletes get the recognition they deserve. When the lights dimmed at JLN Stadium, I felt hopeful: Indian para sports are ready to soar.
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FAQs
What was India’s medal tally at the World Para Athletics Championships?
India won 18 medals, six gold, seven silver and five bronze.
How did Praveen Kumar perform?
Praveen cleared 2.00 m in men’s T64 high jump and took bronze despite a hip injury.
Which event did Ekta Bhyan win a medal in?
Ekta Bhyan claimed silver in the F51 club throw with a season-best 19.80 m.
What was Soman Rana’s result?
Soman Rana’s 14.69 m throw in men’s F57 shot put was upgraded from bronze to silver after a protest.
Did India improve upon its previous World Para Athletics Championships performance?
Yes. India’s 18 medals this year surpass the 17 (six gold, five silver, six bronze) won in Kobe 2024.
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