Yogesh Kathuniya Earns Silver In Men’s Discus Throw F-56 At Paris Paralympics 2024

In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, Yogesh Kathuniya captured the silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw F-56 event at the Paris Paralympics on September 2, 2024. Kathuniya’s impressive throw of 42.22 meters, a season-best for him, contributed to India’s growing medal tally, which now stands at eight.

This silver medal adds to Kathuniya’s Paralympic achievements, marking his second silver in this event. His first came at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. Despite a strong performance, Kathuniya faced stiff competition from Brazil’s Claudiney Batista dos Santos, whose exceptional performance earned him the gold medal.

Batista’s achievement was nothing short of extraordinary. He broke the existing Paralympic record with his second throw, reaching 46.45 meters, and then further improved upon it with a phenomenal 46.86 meters in his penultimate attempt. This new mark not only secured him the gold but also set a new Paralympic record, underscoring his dominance in the sport.

The Brazilian athlete now boasts three Paralympic gold medals, having first won at Rio 2016, defended his title in Tokyo 2021, and now in Paris. Batista’s illustrious career is also highlighted by his success at the World Championships, where he has earned gold medals in 2019, 2023, and 2024, and a silver medal at the 2012 London Paralympics in javelin throw.

For Kathuniya, the quest for Paralympic gold continues. Although he delivered a strong performance with his season-best throw on his first attempt, he was unable to surpass this mark in his subsequent throws. His final attempts measured 41.50 meters, 41.55 meters, 40.33 meters, 40.89 meters, and 39.68 meters, reflecting the intense competition and high standards of the event.