Navdeep's silver upgraded to gold in men's javelin throw F41 at Paris Paralympics

NEW DELHI: India's para-athlete Navdeep Singh won gold in a dramatic twist at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday. Navdeep 's silver medal in the men's javelin throw F41 final was upgraded after Iran's Beit Sayah Sadegh was disqualified. This victory marks India's first-ever gold in the men's javelin F41 category.

Navdeep, a 23-year-old from Haryana, started the competition with a foul. However, he recovered with a throw of 46.39 meters in his second attempt, placing him in second place. His third attempt was a remarkable 47.32 meters, shattering the Paralympic record and putting him in the lead.

Iran's Sadegh then outdid Navdeep with a throw of 47.64 meters in his fifth attempt, temporarily clinching the gold.

However, Sadegh was disqualified after the competition had concluded, making Navdeep the gold medalist.

The F41 category is designated for athletes of short stature, providing a competitive platform for these para-athletes. Singh's achievement is a significant milestone for India in the Paralympics .

Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag, leading to his removal from the final standings. Sun Pengxiang secured the silver medal with a throw of 44.72m.

Sayah had initially taken the lead with a new Paralympic record of 47.64m in his second-last throw. However, his actions cost him the medal.

According to International Paralympic Committee rules, athletes are prohibited from making political gestures during the event, and Sayah was disqualified for unsporting and improper conduct.

Track and field has contributed 17 medals to India's tally, including four golds, placing the country 16th in the overall standings. China leads the table with an impressive 215 medals, including 93 golds.

For Navdeep, the gold is a redemption after the heartbreak of finishing fourth at the Tokyo Games.

An inspector in the Income Tax Department, Navdeep has been competing in the sport since 2017, earning five national medals. Earlier this year, he also claimed a bronze at the Para World Championships.