Sachin Khilari retains shot put gold at World Para Athletics Championships

Kobe (Japan): India's Sachin Sarjerao Khilari defended his gold medal in the men's shot put F46 category with an Asian record at the World Para Athletics Championship as the country surpassed its best-ever haul in the global competition here on Wednesday.

Dharambir claimed a bronze medal in the men's club throw F51 category to take India's tally to 12 medals (five gold, four silver and three bronze) and maintain their third spot in the standings behind China (18-16-14) and Brazil (17-8-5).

Sachin's gold earlier in the day bettered India's previous best tally of 10 (3 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze) in the 2023 edition in Paris.

Sachin heaved the iron ball to a distance of 16.30 metres, bettering his own Asian record of 16.21m set during the World Para Athletics Championship in Paris last year. His effort also earned him a place in Paris Paralympics.

The F46 category in para athletics events is for those with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs. These athletes have to transmit power from hips and legs into the throw.

Sachin, who hails from Karagani village in Maharashtra's Sangli district, suffered a mishap during his school days leading to disability in his left arm.

The stocky 34-year-old lost his muscles from the elbow due to gangrene and despite multiple surgeries, his arm never recovered.

In the men's club throw F51 final, Dharambir gradually improved his throws and propelled the club to a distance of 33.61 metres in his fifth and penultimate attempt to secure the bronze.

Zelijko Dimitrijevic of Serbia smashed the meet record with a throw of 34.20m to win the gold, while Mario Santana Hernandez of Mexico bagged the silver with a season's best effort of 33.62m.

The men's club throw F51 category is for para athletes with severe trunk and limb impairments.

Competitors throw a club from a seated position, relying solely on their arm and shoulder strength.

F51 classification is reserved for athletes with the most significant impairments in this category.