India has started its medal rally in Paralympics, by winning a gold and a bronze medal in the high jump event, thanks to Mariyappan Thagavelu and Varun Singh Bhati respectively. Let us hope that these are the firsts for many more to come in this mega sporting event. On that note, we analysed the profiles of all Indian Paralympians whose events are yet to happen and arrived at a shortlist of 5 Indians who are bright medal prospects in Paralympics 2016.
Devendra Jhajaria
Event: Javelin throw
Schedule: Sept 15, 0:10, Javelin Throw F46 Final
Background: He is India’s first individual Paralympic gold medallist at the Athens Games in 2004. But the event got scrapped off in the next 2 editions of Paralympics and this edition it makes a reappearance. So anything below a podium finish from the talented athlete is a disappointment.
Sunder Singh Gujjar
Event: Javelin throw
Schedule: Sept 15, 0:10, Javelin Throw F46 Final
Background: He currently holds the national record with a 68.42 meter throw. It is interesting to note that till last year, he was participating in the general category as an able bodied person. But tragedy struck him when he lost his left hand in an accident and now he’s made to represent in the Paralympics version.
Amit Kumar Saroha
Event: Club throw
Schedule: Sept 16, 18:30, Club Throw F51 Final
Background: He has one Para Asian Games gold and two silvers under his belt. He was a hockey player until he met with a road accident and got severe spine injuries. Later he took to para-sports. Incidentally, his mentee Dharambir Nain is also competing in the same category.
