Paralympics 2024: Discover Sachin Khilari, the Indian Shot Put sensation who bagged Silver
Xtra Time Web Desk: Sachin Khilari, a two-time world champion in para-athletics, added another accolade to his illustrious career by clinching a silver medal in the men’s shot put F46 event at the Paris Paralympics on Wednesday, September 4. Khilari’s remarkable throw of 16.32 meters not only earned him second place behind Canada’s Greg Stewart but also marked the best performance by an Asian athlete in this category.
Khilari came into the Paris Paralympics after winning the World Championships and the Asian Games, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the competition. His best throw, which secured his silver medal, came on his second attempt, keeping him in close contention with Canada’s Stewart from the outset. This silver medal marks India’s 11th in para-athletics at the Paris Paralympics, further establishing the track and field team as the country’s leading medal contributors.
Silver Stunner! ????????????
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) September 4, 2024
Sachin Khilari smashes the Asian record with a phenomenal 16.32m throw in Men’s Shot Put F46 at #ParalympicGamesParis2024! ???? Keep watching the live action on #JioCinema ????#ParalympicsOnJioCinema #JioCinemaSports #Paris2024 #ShotPut #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/N8BSPkkXZN
Read More:
Paralympics 2024: Who is Manisha Ramadass, Indian shuttler who clinched Bronze?
Khilari’s journey to becoming a world-class athlete is a story of resilience and determination. Hailing from Kargani in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, Khilari faced significant challenges from a young age. A bicycle accident at the age of nine led to a serious injury that left him with a disability in his left hand. Despite this, he pursued sports alongside his engineering studies, initially focusing on javelin throw before switching to shot put due to a shoulder injury—a move that would become a turning point in his career.
Under the mentorship of coach Arvind Chavan, Khilari honed his skills, winning his first gold medal at the Jaipur Nationals in 2017. His career has been marked by a series of impressive achievements, including setting a new Asian record with a throw of 16.21 meters at the World Para Athletics Championship in Paris last year. He further cemented his legacy with another title at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
Read More:
Paralympics 2024: Sumit strikes Gold again, achieves what Neeraj couldn't at Paris 2024
???????????? ???????????????? ???? ????????????????????????! Sachin Khilari strikes silver in the Men’s Shot Put - F46 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024, claiming India's 21st medal!
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) September 4, 2024
???? With an incredible throw of 16.32 meters, he becomes the first Indian male shot putter in 30 years to win a Paralympic… pic.twitter.com/GiSh3RzDl4
Beyond his athletic success, Khilari has had to overcome financial hardships, particularly during droughts in Maharashtra. To support himself, he taught UPSC aspirants, balancing his training with long hours of teaching. Inspired by global athletes like Ryan Crouser and Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Khilari is known for his unique technique that leverages his right hand to generate power and speed in shot put. His coach has played a crucial role in helping him build the necessary strength to excel in his sport.
As Khilari continues to shine on the world stage, his latest performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to his unwavering dedication and skill, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
