Inspiring tales on para field
Vivek M V, Dec 29, 2016, DHNS
Thangavelu, Jhajharia, Deepa, Bhati defied odds to make India proud
The Indian athletes’ inspiring show at the Paralympics was one of the top sporting stories this year.
Days after India’s disappointing Olympics campaign in Rio de Janeiro, the para-athletes made their mark to secure the country’s best ever medal haul of four, including two gold, one silver and one bronze.
Fighting great odds, Mariyappan Thangavelu, Varun Singh Bhati, Deepa Malik and Devendra Jhajharia won hearts with their medal-winning efforts.
Thangavelu opened India’s account with a gold in the men’s high jump T-42 event. The 21-year-old from Salem, with a stunted leg, became India’s third male athlete to win a gold at the Paralympics.
India found more joy in the same event, when Uttar Pradesh’s Varun Singh Bhati bagged the bronze. Deepa then created history with her silver in shot put in the F-53 category. She became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics with an effort of 4.61M, her personal best.
India then wrapped up the Paralympics on a positive note when Jhajharia obliterated his own record to clinch the yellow metal in men’s javelin throw (F 46). Jhajharia, a champion in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece, produced an effort of 63.97 metres, surpassing his previous best of 62.15, to emerge winner.
Though it is unfair to compare their performances with the Rio Olympics competitors, the odds they fought made their achievements special.
The Paralympics Committee of India was suspended twice by the International Paralympics Committee for maladministration and internal disputes. A temporary relief from the world body enabled India to field their athletes in Rio. The event began on a wrong note for them, with issues over ceremonial dresses and tracksuits drawing attention.
Despite the lack of adequate facilities, the accomplishments of the athletes were remarkable. India fielded their biggest contingent this time and it finished on a memorable note for them, showing that with better facilities and exposure, the para-athletes can bring more laurels in the future.
Days after India’s disappointing Olympics campaign in Rio de Janeiro, the para-athletes made their mark to secure the country’s best ever medal haul of four, including two gold, one silver and one bronze.
Fighting great odds, Mariyappan Thangavelu, Varun Singh Bhati, Deepa Malik and Devendra Jhajharia won hearts with their medal-winning efforts.
Thangavelu opened India’s account with a gold in the men’s high jump T-42 event. The 21-year-old from Salem, with a stunted leg, became India’s third male athlete to win a gold at the Paralympics.
India found more joy in the same event, when Uttar Pradesh’s Varun Singh Bhati bagged the bronze. Deepa then created history with her silver in shot put in the F-53 category. She became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics with an effort of 4.61M, her personal best.
India then wrapped up the Paralympics on a positive note when Jhajharia obliterated his own record to clinch the yellow metal in men’s javelin throw (F 46). Jhajharia, a champion in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece, produced an effort of 63.97 metres, surpassing his previous best of 62.15, to emerge winner.
Though it is unfair to compare their performances with the Rio Olympics competitors, the odds they fought made their achievements special.
The Paralympics Committee of India was suspended twice by the International Paralympics Committee for maladministration and internal disputes. A temporary relief from the world body enabled India to field their athletes in Rio. The event began on a wrong note for them, with issues over ceremonial dresses and tracksuits drawing attention.
Despite the lack of adequate facilities, the accomplishments of the athletes were remarkable. India fielded their biggest contingent this time and it finished on a memorable note for them, showing that with better facilities and exposure, the para-athletes can bring more laurels in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment