India secured its seventh gold medal at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday, September 7, thanks to javelin thrower Navdeep Singh. He set a new Paralympic record with a powerful throw of 47.32 metres, surpassing the previous record held by China’s Pengxiang Sun from Tokyo 2021.Initially, Navdeep had won the silver medal, but a dramatic turn of events saw him upgraded to gold after Iran’s Beit Sadegh was disqualified for unsporting conduct. The Paris Paralympics community announced the decision via their official results page, stating that Sadegh’s throw of 47.64 meters would not be counted.
Navdeep had a challenging start, stumbling during the follow-through of his first throw. His coach, displeased with the early performance, playfully reprimanded him. Navdeep responded with determination: his second throw placed him in the top positions, and his third attempt broke the Paralympic record. Despite Sadegh surpassing Navdeep’s record with his fifth throw, it was Navdeep’s third attempt that ultimately secured him the gold medal.
Born on November 11, 2000, Navdeep Singh is a pioneering para-javelin thrower from India who has made a significant impact in the realm of para-athletics. His journey began in 2016, inspired by Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra. Despite the obstacles he faced, including a physical disability that leaves him standing at just 4 feet 4 inches tall, Navdeep’s determination to excel in sports remained steadfast.Originally interested in wrestling, inspired by his father Dalbir Singh, a national-level wrestler, Navdeep’s focus shifted to para-javelin throw after being motivated by para-athlete Sandeep Chaudhary. With Chaudhary’s guidance, Navdeep refined his skills and clinched a gold medal at the 2017 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, marking the beginning of his successful career.
