Navdeep Singh breaks record, wins gold medal in javelin throw

Navdeep Singh won a gold medal in the men’s category javelin throwing F41 class at Paris 2024 with a new Paralympic record of 47.32 metres on Saturday, earning India’s first-ever medal in the category.

Navdeep’s medal-winning throw broke the previous Paralympic record of 47.13 metres, set by Sun Pengxiang of the People’s Republic of China at Tokyo 2020.

Although Sadegh Beit Sayah of the Islamic Republic of Iran defeated the Indian athlete with a throw of 47.64 metres in his penultimate attempt, he was later disqualified for a violation of the rules regarding unsportsmanlike or improper conduct.

“I didn’t expect to throw that far, to be honest,” Navdeep admitted. “My aim was a bit less, but I was hoping to do well and had faith in my coach. I’m glad it went well.

“My first throw was wrong, but my coach said it was a good throw. So I tried to improve the distance in my next throws. Two of my other throws were longer than 45 meters. I expect to do better in the future.”

Navdeep, a southpaw, had two more chances to regain the top spot, but couldn’t hold on. But with the Iranian’s disqualification, it didn’t matter in the end.

Sun Pengxiang, the reigning champion in this event, settled for silver with a best throw of 44.72m. He was also the gold medallist at the World Para Athletics earlier this year. Wildan Nukhailawi of Iraq won the bronze medal with 40.46m.

Athletes with a small build compete in the F41 sports class.

Navdeep finished fourth, just missing out on the podium, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He finished fourth again at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year.

“This medal is very important in my life,” Navdeep said. “I have achieved a podium finish at the Paralympic Games after years of waiting and hard work.

“I came fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. I also came fourth at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Finally, there is a podium finish. Finally, there is Joy.

“Everyone dreams of doing well on such a big stage. My efforts paid off today.”

However, 23-year-old Navdeep changed his life in 2024 by winning a bronze medal at the Para Athletics World Championships.

This is India’s 29th medal at the current Paralympic Games and her 17th in para-athletics.

In javelin throw in other classes, Sumit Antil won a gold medal in the F64 class, while Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar won a silver and bronze medal respectively in the F46 class.