Day four at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships was a rollercoaster of surprises and record-breaking performances. Here's a breakdown of the biggest highlights:
Long Jump Shock:
The biggest upset came in the men's long jump T12 final. Defending champion Doniyor Saliev of Uzbekistan surprisingly fouled on his first three attempts by leaving the door wide open. Azerbaijan's Said Najafzade, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics bronze medalist, seized the opportunity with a career-best jump of 7.30 meters to claim gold.
100m Sprint Surprise:
The men's 100m T13 final was packed with star power including Paralympic champions and a world record holder. However, Skander Athmani of Algeria, the reigning 400m T13 Paralympic champion emerged victorious with a championship record time of 10.44 seconds. Shuta Kawakami of Japan set a new Asian record while another runner fell short with Salum Ageze Kashafali settling for bronze.
What exactly is the Paralympics games?
The Paralympics are international competitions designed for athletes with disabilities to compete against others with similar or the same disabilities. The event features five different disability categories and includes nineteen sports, four of which are unique to the Paralympics.
Meaning of 'Para'
The term 'Para' originates from the Greek word meaning 'beside' or 'alongside.' This was chosen to emphasize that the Paralympics and the Olympics are not rival events but are intended to exist side-by-side.
Concessions for Athletes
Athletes in the Paralympics are permitted certain accommodations to help them compete effectively. These allowances are designed to ensure fair competition without giving any athlete an unfair advantage over others.
History of the Paralympics
- Early Beginnings: Sports for individuals with disabilities existed for over a century before the Paralympics were established. Following World War II, the concept of sports for athletes with impairments gained acceptance and popularity. Initially, the Paralympics aimed to support retired war veterans and injured civilians, gradually evolving from rehabilitation activities to competitive sports by 1944.
- Founding of the Games: The inception of competitive sports for disabled athletes can be traced back to the 1948 Olympic Games opening ceremony, where Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized the first wheelchair competitions known as the Stoke Mandeville Games. In 1952, with the support of a Dutch ex-serviceman, these games evolved into the International Stoke Mandeville Games. They have eventually renamed the Paralympic Games with the first official Paralympic Games taking place in Rome involving twenty-three countries.
Medal rising for China and Brazil
- China Dominates 400m: China continued its impressive medal haul by sweeping the podium in the men's 400m T54. Hu Yang led the pack with a championship record time by becoming the first athlete ever to finish under 45 seconds (44.98 seconds). His teammates Dai Yunqiang and Yhang Ying secured silver and bronze, respectively.
- Shi Yiting Breaks Record: China also shattered a world record in the women's 100m T36. Shi Yiting showcased her speed with a blazing 13.35-second finish, surpassing the previous record by 0.06 seconds. This also beats her own championship record from 2017 by a significant margin.
New World Records Emerge
- Deepti Jeevanji Makes Her Mark: India's Deepti Jeevanji surprised everyone by setting a new world record in the women's 400m T20. Her time of 55.07 seconds saved 0.05 seconds off the previous record, setting her place as a contender at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
- Brazil's Continued Strength: Brazil showcased its powerhouse status with four gold medals on day four. Claudiney Batista dos Santos set a season-best in the men's discus throw F56, Julio Cesar Agripino dos Santos reclaimed gold in the men's 1500m T11 with a championship record, Elizabeth Rodrigues Gomes defended her title in the women's disc throw F53 with another record-breaking throw, and Rayane Soares da Silva smashed her personal best in the women's 200m T13.
Other Exciting Moments
- Germany's Return: Nico Kappel of Germany claimed his first world title in seven years, setting a new championship record in the men's shot put F41.
- Dutch Domination: Fleur Jong of the Netherlands climbed to gold in the women's long jump T64 with a championship record jump of 6.53 meters.
- Colombia's One-Two Punch: Jose Gregorio Lemos Rivas of Colombia secured another gold medal in the men's javelin F38, breaking a long-standing championship record.
Day four of the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships served as a testament to the incredible athleticism and determination of athletes from around the world. With upsets, records, and fierce competition, this event is shaping up to be an unforgettable one.
Indian Athletes Shine at the World Para Athletics Championship!
- Mariyappan Climbs to Gold in High Jump: The Indian contingent at the Kobe 2024 World Para Athletics Championship continues to impress! Thangavelu Mariyappan, competing in the Men's T63 High Jump, displayed exceptional skill by clearing a height of 1.88 meters. This remarkable jump not only secured him the gold medal but also broke the championship record.
- A Close Fight for the Podium: The competition for the top spot was intense. American athletes Ezra Frech and Sam Grewe put up a strong fight with Frech claiming the silver medal with a jump of 1.85 meters and Grewe bagging the bronze with a season-best jump of 1.82 meters. While Mariyappan's compatriot Varun Singh Bhati also participated, he finished fourth with a jump of 1.78 meters.
- Double Podium Finish in Javelin Throw: Earlier on the same day, India celebrated a double podium finish in the Men's F64 Javelin Throw event. Sumit Antil dominated the competition, clinching the gold medal with a season-best throw of 69.50 meters. His consistent performance throughout the event was evident from his very first throw which landed at an impressive 68.17 meters.
- Sandeep Secures Bronze: Sandeep, another Indian athlete in the Javelin Throw competition, secured a well-deserved bronze medal. His best throw of the day was 60.41 meters achieved in his first attempt. Sri Lanka's Dulan Kodithuwakku secured the silver medal with a throw of 66.49 meters in his first attempt.
- A Season's Best for China's Ez-Zouhri: China's Zakariae Ez-Zouhri finished fourth in the Javelin Throw event. Although he couldn't secure a podium position but he managed to achieve his season's best throw of 59.96 meters in his fifth attempt.
These remarkable performances by Indian athletes showcase their dedication, talent, and determination. The Para Athletics Championship continues and we can expect to see more inspiring victories from India.
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