India’s perennial silver-man Yogesh Kathuniya stresses importance of action, not words after another silver in WPAC
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Indian para athlete Yogesh Kathuniya just snagged a silver medal in the F56 discus throw at the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. His throw of 42.49 meters in the second attempt marked India’s sixth medal at the event, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
At 28, Kathuniya has shifted his mindset big time—and he thinks it’s finally bringing him luck. Back in the day, he’d hype up gold every time before big meets like the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics or world championships. But he always ended up with silver, which didn’t match the bold talk.
This time around, though? No gold promises. “I’ve stopped saying I’m going to win gold,” Kathuniya said proudly, wrapped in the Indian flag after his win. “Paris was a huge letdown, but this new approach will help me in the long run. Every athlete trains hard—you need luck too.”
Winning on home soil in front of his family and fans made it extra sweet. “This medal feels special because it’s here in Delhi,” he shared. “My family has always backed me, and without that gold pressure, I just enjoyed competing.”
He hinted he could’ve thrown farther without some equipment issues. “Officials tightened the belt too much, which messes with your movement and cuts the distance by 3-4 meters,” Kathuniya explained.
Looking ahead, the Paralympic silver medalist sets his sights on the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan. “That’s my next goal. I’m done talking big—now it’s all about action and results. I trust the process, and if I nail that, the wins will come.”
The championships started last Saturday amid scorching heat and humidity. By the time the discus event wrapped up, dark clouds rolled in, winds picked up, and rain poured down. Kathuniya joked about it: “I wish the weather had been better earlier—I could’ve used that wind!”
Kathuniya also celebrated how far para sports have come in India. “Things used to be tough with little funding or opportunities,” he said. “Now, sponsors step up easily, and the future looks bright. But para athletes need empathy, not pity—and I’m glad that’s changing.”
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