New Delhi, September 29 – In a night of thunderous cheers and high emotion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, India’s Rinku Hooda etched his name in history by winning gold in the Men’s F46 javelin throw at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025. His winning effort of 66.37 metres not only secured India’s second gold medal of the tournament but also set a new Championship record.
A Double Podium for India
The javelin final turned into an Indian showcase. Reigning world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar clinched silver with 64.76 m, while Cuba’s Guillermo Varona Gonzalez took bronze (63.34 m). India’s Ajeet Singh narrowly missed out, finishing fourth at 61.77 m.
This one-two finish is a proud statement of India’s growing dominance in para-javelin. With Hooda and Gurjar leading the way, India’s medal tally now stands at 2 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze, placing the nation firmly inside the top bracket of the championships.
From Farm Tragedy to World Glory
Hooda’s rise is a story of grit and resilience. Born in Dhamar, Haryana, he lost his left arm as a child in a paddy-sowing machine accident. What could have ended his sporting dreams became the foundation of his extraordinary journey.
He battled through early setbacks, finishing fifth at both the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, but never lost faith. Over the years, he collected a bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games and silver medals at the 2023 Worlds and Asian Para Games, before finally striking gold on home soil.
The Throw That Changed It All
The final was a thrilling back-and-forth contest. Hooda opened strongly with 63.81 m, only for Gurjar to briefly claim the lead. But on his fifth attempt, Hooda unleashed his best – a soaring 66.37 m – reclaiming top spot and sealing the record.
“I knew today was my day,” Hooda said after the event. “I’ve worked so hard for this moment. Someday, I will break the world record too.”
What It Means for Indian Para Athletics
This victory follows Shailesh Kumar’s gold in high jump, underscoring India’s momentum in para-sport. More than just medals, these wins highlight India’s depth, training infrastructure, and the fighting spirit of its para-athletes.
As the championships continue, Hooda’s triumph will inspire the next generation of differently-abled athletes — a reminder that adversity can be turned into glory.
