- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 04 Sep 2024 03:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Paris Paralympics 2024: Sachin Sarjerao Khiladi, the Indian para-athlete, scripted history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by winning the silver medal in the men's shot put F46 final. His journey to the podium is proof of his grit and determination and his ability to overcome all the challenges that he has faced.
During the summit clash, Sachin had a dismal start as he couldn't throw beyond 15m in his first attempt and instead threw at 14.72m. But then he bounced back by throwing at a distance of 16.32m in his next attempt and finished at the top of the leaderboard. His throw of 16.32m is also an area record. He then threw at a distance of 16.15m in his third attempt. He once again bounced back and threw at a distance of 16.31m in his fourth attempt. He then threw at the distance of 16.03m and 15.95m in his fourth and fifth attempts. Canada's Greg Stewart clinched the gold medal by throwing at a distance of 16.34m. The country's Paralympic medal tally has now reached 21.
Who is Sachin Khilari?
Sachin Sarjerao Khilari hails from Kargani, Sangli district in India. His childhood was ruined due to a bicycle incident that led to a fracture. It took him a long time to heal, which led to gangrene and that stopped the movement of his left hand completely. Unfazed by all these challenges, Khilari was determined towards his athletic aspirations. He was pursuing mechanical engineering at the Indira College of Engineering in Pune and that's when his passion for javelin grew. But he sustained a shoulder injury in a tournament and that led to him changing the sport to shot put. Despite all these challenges, he used to train continuously, worked on his skills, and overcame limitations.
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His father, Sarjerao Rangnath Khilari, is an agriculturist and a Maharashtra Krishi Bhushan awardee.
Khilari also holds a degree in mechanical engineering after graduating from Indira College of Engineering in Pune.
In 2023, he clinched his first World Para title by creating a new Asian record of a throw of 16.21m in Paris. He also won another medal at the Guangzhou Asian Para Games, by throwing at a distance of 16.03m.
