On Saturday in Paris 2024 Paralympics, India’s Navdeep Singh achieved success in the men’s javelin throw F41 class at Paris by breaking a Paralympic record by throwing 47.32 meters – earning her country its inaugural medal ever in this event category.
Navdeep Singh has overcome all odds to rise from facing ridicule about his dwarfism to winning gold at the Paris Paralympic Games as an outstanding para javelin athlete. After finishing fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics three years earlier and bronze at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championship, this time around was determined to change.
He stood proudly atop the podium, with tears in his eyes as the Indian national anthem was played and the tricolor raised at Stade de France Stadium.
Navdeep’s record-setting throw surpassed Sun Pengxiang of China at Tokyo 2020 by over 4 meters.
Sadegh Beit Sayah of Iran beat India with his final attempt of 47.64 meters but was later disqualified for violating rules regarding unsportsmanlike or improper behavior.
“When the Iranian javelin thrower received the red card, I was taken aback. He began crying uncontrollably. As soon as he started crying and weeping, I became emotionally affected myself and went over to comfort him by hugging and consoling him.” “Until I learned about what happened and the reasons behind my big decision, I didn’t understand exactly what had taken place and the reasoning behind this big change,” said Navdeep in an exclusive interview from Paris with TimesofIndia.com.
To him, winning gold is vindication after finishing fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics. “When I received the gold medal, I was overwhelmed with joy. Tokyo may be long gone, but Paris remains my home. It made my country proud that I could add one more gold medal to India’s collection – people remember gold.” said an ecstatic Navdeep.
“Honestly,” admitted Navdeep. “My target was slightly less, but I trusted in my coach to do well – so I am extremely delighted it all worked out so smoothly!”
The Throwing Technique
Navdeep follows in the footsteps of two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra and follows his technique of falling just before releasing the javelin, just as Neeraj does, giving his throws an additional powerful boost. Navdeep credits this technique to Naval Singh, who was instrumental in shaping his career: “Naval Singh was instrumental in shaping my career; we trained together for seven years – I attribute my current position today solely to him; all credit goes to him for my foundation and technique!” Navdeep explained.
“My first throw was a foul, but my coach told me it was good. Therefore, in subsequent throws, I tried improving its distance – two measured over 45 meters! In future throws, I expect to do better!”
Navdeep, a southpaw, had two more opportunities to regain top spot but could not go the distance. But due to Iranian’s disqualification it didn’t matter in the end.
Sun Pengxiang, the reigning champion in this event, finished second place with his best throw of 44.72 meters to earn silver at this year’s World Para Athletics. Iraqi Wildan Nukhailawi earned the bronze medal with 40.46m as his personal best.
Shorter athletes compete in the F41 sports class.
Failure to Sucess
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games, Navdeep finished fourth and just missed out on making the podium. At last year’s Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, he repeated this performance, finishing fourth overall.
“This medal holds immense meaning for me,” Navdeep stated, after finally attaining a podium finish at a Paralympic Games after years of hard work and waiting.
“Every athlete dreams of excelling on such a grand stage, and today that dream became my reality. It’s a moment of pride, and I’m grateful that my dedication is finally paying off!”
However, 23-year-old Navdeep Singh made an unexpected comeback in 2024, winning a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics.
India won its 29th medal at this year’s Paris 2024 Paralympics– and 17th medal overall – in Para Athletics.
Sumit Antil claimed gold in the F64 category, with Ajeet Singh taking silver and Sundar Singh Gurjar winning bronze in the F46 class.
