On a dull day, Saroha gives India a silver at World Para Athletics

The 32-year-old Saroha had also won a silver in this event in the last edition of the biennial championships in Doha in 2015.

Members of the Indian paralympic team celebrate success with Amit Kumar Saroha in London on Monday.

 

India’s Amit Kumar Saroha clinched a silver in men’s club throw F51 competition in World Para Athletics Championships here today.

Saroha’s best throw of 30.25m, which came in his third attempt, fetched him a silver medal. In the process, the para-athlete from Haryana set a new Asian record in this event.

Speaking after his event, having successfully defending his title from the 2015 edition, Amit said, "After narrowly missing out in Rio 2016, I feel it was that urge to make good on that unfulfilled ambition. I am very glad that I have gained on what I missed out in Rio. While I broke the World record as it stood before our event, Dimitrijevic's throw went one better and set the new World record. I would like to thank the Sports Authority of India, the Paralympic Committee of India and the GoSports Foundation for all their support. None of this would have been possible without them. I would also like to dedicate this medal to the brave Indian soldiers who are at the borders of our country protecting us," Saroha said.

 

Serbia’s Zeljko Dimitrijevic retained his title with a world record throw of 31.99m. Another Indian, Dharambir finished 10th with his best throw of 22.34m.

The 32-year-old Saroha had also won a silver in this event in the last edition of the biennial championships in Doha in 2015. He also had won a gold medal in this event in the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games.

Saroha, the first quadriplegic to represent India at a Paralympic Games (London 2012), will also take part in men’s discus throw F52 final on Tuesday.

Earlier, Sundar Singh Gurjar had won a gold in men’s javelin throw F46 on July 14.

Meanwhile, Hannah Cockroft, Sophie Kamlish and Olivia Breen won gold for Britain on day four. 24-year-old Cockroft was first in the T34 800m, following her success in the 100m on Friday and can complete the treble with victory in the 400m.

Kamllish secured the T43/T44 100m title and Breen won the T38 long jump with a personal best of 4.81m.