Paralympics 2024: Dharambir and Pranav Soorma propel India to top spots with Gold and Silver
Xtra Time Web Desk: India's record-breaking Paris Paralympics campaign was highlighted by a remarkable double podium finish in the men's club throw F51, with Dharambir clinching gold and Pranav Soorma securing silver.
Dharambir's gold medal at the Paralympics showcased remarkable mental strength. The veteran, who made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016, faced a challenging start in the final, with his first four throws fouling out. However, Dharambir's resilience, honed through his journey from a diving accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, shone through. His fifth throw, a fair and impressive 34.92m, set an Asian record and proved unbeatable throughout the rest of the competition. This victory came exactly a decade after he entered para sports, guided by mentor Amit Kumar Saroha, who finished tenth.
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The 35-year-old from Sonipat, Haryana, had to wait through nearly two hours as competitors made their attempts. Despite previous successes, including an Asiad silver and a Worlds bronze, this Paralympic gold was his pinnacle achievement, won in a dramatic fashion. Serbian competitor Dimitrijevic, a formidable opponent with a top personal best, could only manage 34.18m, securing his fourth consecutive Paralympic medal but falling short of Dharambir’s mark.
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Pranav Soorma, making his Paralympic debut, also had a standout performance, securing silver with a best throw of 34.59m. His consistent efforts included a solid 34.19m on his second attempt and a 34.50m on his fourth. Despite not reaching the gold, the 29-year-old’s achievement was significant. Paralyzed by a falling cement sheet at 16, Pranav adapted to a wheelchair life with determination, excelling in academics and para sports. His previous successes include a Para Asiad gold and a fourth-place finish at the World Championships. His Paralympic silver is a testament to his enduring spirit and promising future.
