India’s Yogesh Kathuniya won the silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics on September 2. The 27-year-old Indian para-athlete secured the medal with his season-best throw of 42.22m in the final. In his allotted 6 attempts, Yogesh threw his best in the first attempt itself. The Indian para-athlete, who has won a string of medals in his career was aiming for the gold medal. But on the day, Brazil’s Claudiney Batista, clinched the gold medal by setting the Paralympic record, with a throw of 46.86m. Yogesh had started well with his season-best throw, but in his remaining 5 attempts, was not able to better his effort. Yogesh Kathuniya is born on March 3, 1997, in Bahadurgarh, India. He is an inspiring Indian Paralympic athlete who has overcome incredible challenges to excel in the discus throw. His journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of his family. In 2018, Yogesh set a world record in the F36 category by throwing the discus 45.18 meters at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin. This achievement marked the beginning of his remarkable career in para athletics. He went on to win a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, a feat that earned him the Arjuna Award in 2021. He studied at Indian Army Public School in Chandigarh where his father served in the army at Chandimandir Cantonment. His mother learnt physiotherapy, and within 3 years, at the age of 12 he regained muscle strength to walk again. He later attended Kirori Mal College in Delhi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and joined para games. As India celebrates this remarkable victory, Kathuniya’s story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.