New Delhi, September 29: It was a golden evening for Indian para athletics at the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. In a thrilling finale in the men’s javelin throw F46 category, India clinched a memorable 1-2 finish, with Rinku capturing gold and Sundar Singh Gurjar taking silver.
Though Ajeet Singh narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish, the day was nothing short of historic for Indian athletics fans.
The atmosphere was electric, and signs of something special had been brewing in the lead-up to the final. All eyes were on Rinku — and he delivered in style. On his fourth attempt, he launched a massive 66.37m throw, setting a new championship record and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
“I’m so thankful to my supporters and my family. Their presence encouraged me a great deal. It was my day—everything went my way, from conditions to everything else,” Rinku said after the event, visibly emotional and proud.
A Journey of Grit and Inspiration
Rinku’s road to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Years ago, a tragic farming accident cost him his arm — a moment his family remembers as a dark chapter in their lives.
“That was a dark day for us. When he lost his arm, the whole village fell into a sad silence for weeks. For us, it was the end of the world,” recalled Wazir Singh Hooda, Rinku’s uncle. “But life surprises you. Look at where he has reached today.”
It was Mr. Hooda who convinced the shy Rinku to channel his energy and focus into sport. He recalls young Rinku spending hours skimming stones across a lake in their village, Dhamar (near Rohtak, Haryana). That natural arm movement inspired the family to enroll him at the Rohtak Stadium when he was just 9.
When asked whether Rinku could’ve achieved more without the accident, Hooda paused before responding thoughtfully:
“Who knows what would have happened! Maybe he would have been better than Neeraj Chopra… or maybe not a star at all. But we are grateful to God for what he has achieved today.”
A Village That Celebrated Together
Ahead of the final, word had spread across Dhamar. The entire village was informed by phone that Rinku would be competing — and many made the 3-hour journey to the stadium. Those who attended witnessed something truly extraordinary: a local boy, once burdened by tragedy, standing tall on the global stage.
For the crowd at JLN Stadium — and for everyone watching across India — it was a moment of pride, resilience, and triumph.
