New Delhi [India], September 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated para-athlete Sachin Khilari for winning the silver medal in the men's shotput F46 event at the ongoing Paris Paralympics.
Sachin secured the second spot with a 16.32-metre throw, which is also the area best (AB). However, the Indian athlete was unlucky to miss the top spot after getting short of a 0.6m.
Taking to X, PM Modi hailed Khilari for his remarkable display of strength and determination at the marquee event.
"Congratulations to Sachin Khilari for his incredible achievement at the #Paralympics2024! In a remarkable display of strength and determination, he has won a Silver medal in the Men's Shotput F46 event. India is proud of him," PM Modi wrote on X.
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1831268325650767947
Canada's Greg Stewart clinched the gold medal with a throw of 16.38 metres, it was also his season-best (SB) performance. Meanwhile, Croatia's Luka Bakovic sealed the bronze medal with a 16.27-metre throw.
In the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, Sachin won the gold medal. He secured the top spot in the 2023 and 2024 editions of the World Para Athletics Championship.
India para-athletes have scripted history in Paris by surpassing their highest medal tally of 19 in the Tokyo edition of the Paralympics three years ago.
The Indian contingent has added 21 medals to its constantly growing tally and will have an opportunity to further extend its record medal haul in a single edition of the Paralympics.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Indian contingent won 13 medals for the country, jumping the medal tally to a record 20 consisting of three gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals.
In the Tokyo edition (August 24 - September 5, 2021), India recorded its best-ever medal haul with a tally of 19, including five gold, eight silver and six bronze.
It was raining double podium finishes for India in athletics after Mariyappan settled for the bronze medal with a leap of 1.85m in the men's high jump T6 final. His compatriot, Sharad Kumar bagged a silver medal with a leap of 1.88m.
Meanwhile, Ajeet, in the last gasp, pushed his name for a silver with a personal best throw of 65.62m. His compatriot Sundar, just like in the Tokyo edition, settled for bronze in Paris with his season-best throw of 64.96m. Cuba's Guillermo ended up at the top of the podium with a humongous effort of 66.14m.
This year, India has sent its largest Paralympics contingent ever, comprising 84 athletes across 12 sports, a testament to the country's expanding para-sports ecosystem. India's participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics marks not only a significant increase in numbers but also in medal hopes.
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