In a remarkable display of perseverance and talent, Yogesh Kathuniya, hailing from Haryana, has clinched the silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This achievement marks another milestone in Kathuniya’s inspiring journey from battling a severe illness to becoming a celebrated para-athlete.
A Silver Lining in Paris
At 27 years old, Yogesh Kathuniya threw the discus 42.22 meters on his first attempt to secure the silver medal. The gold was claimed by Claudine Batista dos Santos of Brazil with a throw of 46.86 meters, setting a new Paralympic record. Greece’s Constantinos took home the bronze with a throw of 41.32 meters. This victory adds to Kathuniya’s impressive track record, which includes a previous silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Overcoming Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Kathuniya’s journey to the Paralympics is nothing short of extraordinary. At the tender age of 9, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that severely affected his ability to walk. His father, a dedicated Indian Army officer stationed at Chandimandir Cantonment, watched as Yogesh’s condition left him bedridden. His mother’s dedication saw her learn physiotherapy, which played a crucial role in Yogesh’s recovery. By the age of 12, Yogesh had regained his ability to walk, setting the stage for his future athletic achievements.
Academic and Athletic Pursuits
Yogesh’s resilience extended beyond his health struggles. He pursued his education at the Indian Army Public School in Chandigarh and later graduated in commerce from Kirori Mal College, Delhi. During his college years, Sachin Yadav, the general secretary of the students’ union at Kirori Mal College, introduced him to the world of para-athletics, inspiring him with videos of para-athletes and motivating him to pursue sports seriously.
A Legacy of Excellence
Kathuniya’s dedication to para-sports has been evident in his consistent performance across various tournaments. He set a world record in 2018 with a throw of 45.18 meters at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin. His achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he was honored with the Arjuna Award in November 2021 by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.
Despite his silver medal win in Paris, Yogesh expressed his desire to improve further. “I did my best, but it was not my day,” he said after the event. “Winning gold is always the goal, but I am satisfied with my performance. I will work harder and aim to do even better in the future.”
Yogesh Kathuniya’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of overcoming adversity. His journey from a debilitating illness to winning medals on the world stage serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the heights that can be achieved through sheer grit and hard work.
