The Indian Paralympian Dharambir brought home the nation’s fifth gold medal overall and their second in athletics after his stellar performance in the Men’s Club Throw F51 Final on Thursday.
After four fouled attempts, the 35-year-old world championships bronze medallist from Sonepat, Dharambir hurled the club to a distance of 34.92m in his fifth attempt to claim the top spot on the podium on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old comes from the city of Sonipat in Haryana. His life saw a dramatic turn when he dove into a canal, but misjudging the water’s depth resulted in him crashing onto the rocks underneath. This resulted in him being paralysed from the waist down.
However, in 2014, Dharambir discovered para-sports which opened up new avenues. Under the mentorship of Amit Kumar Saroha, also a para-athlete with a similar condition, he began training in club throws.
After committing to the cause for two years, Dharambil achieved qualification at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Following this he has been able to maintain his levels and earn various honours for the country. His most recent achievement was the silver medal at the Asian Para Games 2022.
As a result of his outstanding performances in national and international competitions, Dharambir was honoured with the Bhim Award in 2022, the highest sports honour given by the Government of Haryana as his journey continues to inspire many others.
About Dharambir
Name: Dharambir
Date of Birth: January 18, 1989
Hails From: Sonipat, Haryana
Discipline: Para Athletics Event: Club and Discus throw
Training Base: SAI Sonipat
Disability Class: F51 (Limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement)
Achievements
- World Para Athletics Championship (2024) – Bronze Medal
- Asian Para Games (2022) – Silver Medal
- Asian Para Games (2018) – Silver Medal
Key Government Intervention
- Financial Assistance for Equipment
- Financial Assistance for Training & Competition
- Out of Pocket Allowance under TOPS
