Discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya looks to breach 50m mark in Paris

If breaching the 90m mark is ranked top-most in conversations related to Neeraj Chopra, it's breaking the 50m barrier that has engulfed most of Yogesh Kathuniya's focus ahead of Paris Paralympics.

The world record holder in F56 discus throw with the 48.34m throw he achieved at Indian Open National Para Athletic Championship in 2022, Yogesh is not ready to rest on past laurels of a silver medal at Tokyo Paralympics or the second spot at World Para Athletics Championship in Kobe, Japan, in May.

"My focus remains the same - to cross the 50m mark in Paris and win a gold medal for the country," he said during an exclusive interview with TOI. "And if I reach the 50m mark with any of the throws, I will drop my discus right there and stop competing anymore," he added to emphasise the importance of that achievement.

It is also time for the 25-year-old to upgrade the silver he won at Tokyo Paralympics and the Worlds to the yellow metal this time. But standing between Yogesh and that dream is Brazilian para-athletics legend Claudiney Batista dos Santos, the multi-discipline multiple Paralympics medallist who will also be in the Paris field to defend his F56 discus crown.

Not only did Yogesh have to bow to the Brazilian's might in Tokyo, the 45-year-old also clinched the title from him at the Para World Championship three months ago. "Claudiney Batista dos Santos will be my main competitor in Paris. It's always a clash between us for the title. He is senior to me and much more experienced. It will be his fourth Paralympics while I will be competing in my second Games," Yogesh said of his biggest rival.

However, the young Indian, who made his comeback into competition after back-to-back injuries with a silver-winning performance in Kobe, is confident of peaking in Paris. "There were a lot of foul throws in Japan, and it was the first time that the gold went to such a short distance. Even the gap between silver and bronze-winning throws was a lot. But that is bound to change in Paris," said a confident Yogesh.

"Since the gap between the World Championship and the Paralympics is so short and the fact that the Paralympics arrive just once every four years, I thought it to be a right decision to peak now. And I am on that goal and will give my 100% to it," added the Olympic Gold Quest-sponsored and TOPS scheme athlete.

And Paris will also be the right stage for his best throw ever as the man who introduced Yogesh to para-athletics, the then general secretary of Kirori Mal College and his senior there, Sachin Yadav will be flying in to watch him compete for the first time. "He is doing his PhD in Ireland now. And I am overjoyed that he will get the chance to watch me in Paris," said Yogesh.

Not just him, but the entire nation will wait with bated breath to watch Yogesh shine once again on para-athletics' biggest stage, and hopefully in a golden hue.


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