India's Para-Athletes Shine at World Championships, Khilari Claims Gold

India's para-athletes continue to shine at the World Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, with Sachin Sarjerao Khilari claiming a gold medal in the F46 shot put event. Khilari's triumph marks India's fifth gold at the ongoing competition and is a testament to the country's growing prowess in para-athletics.

Khilari, a defending champion in the event, shattered his own Asian record with a remarkable throw of 16.30m. His previous record of 16.21m was set in Paris last year. The Indian athlete's dominance was evident throughout the competition, as he consistently outperformed his rivals.

With three days remaining in the championships, India has amassed an impressive 12 medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze). This tally surpasses India's previous best performance at the 2023 Paris iteration, where the team secured 10 medals.

Khilari's gold medal is a culmination of years of hard work and determination. Hailing from a humble village in Maharashtra, the 34-year-old athlete overcame a childhood mishap that resulted in a disability in his left hand. Despite multiple surgeries, his arm never fully recovered.

The F46 category in para-athletics is designed for athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs. These athletes must transmit power from their hips and legs into their throws.

Khilari's success is not limited to the World Championships. He is also a Hangzhou Asian Games gold medalist and has qualified for the Paris Paralympics. The Indian athlete is confident of continuing his winning streak and bringing home another gold medal from the prestigious event.

India's medal haul was further boosted by Dharambir's bronze medal in the men's F51 club throw. Dharambir, a Hangzhou Asian Games silver medalist, broke his own Asian record with a throw of 33.61m. The gold medal in the event went to Serbia's Zeljko Dimitrijevic, who set a championship record with a throw of 34.20m.

India's performance at the World Athletics Championships is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting para-athletics and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities to excel on the world stage.

Tags: #ParaAthletics, #WorldChampionships, #SachinKhilari, #GoldMedal, #India