New Delhi,October 5(HS): Ekta Bhyan continued her exceptional World Para Athletics journey by clinching a silver medal in the women’s club throw F51 event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking her third World Championship medal. The 40-year-old from Hisar recorded a best throw of 19.80 meters, narrowly missing her personal best due to challenging humid conditions in Delhi and adapting to a redesigned club.

Having won gold at the 2024 World Championships in Kobe, Japan, with a throw of 20.12 meters, Ekta expressed satisfaction despite the weather and equipment challenges. She acknowledged that thermo-regulation issues and grip difficulties impacted her performance but remains motivated to improve, supported by her coach Amit Saroha, a decorated para-athlete himself.

Saturday’s silver completed her full set of World Championship medals, having secured bronze in 2023 at Paris. Ekta’s inspiring journey from spinal cord injuries sustained in 2006 to becoming an elite para athlete underscores her resilience. With the women’s club throw F51 event reinstated for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics after its absence from Tokyo and Paris, she has set her sights firmly on winning a medal there.

Her coach highlighted the technical adjustments needed to master the new club, emphasizing the importance of angles and accuracy in throws. Ekta’s focus remains on enhancing strength, consistency, and adapting to weather variations, with the aspiration to achieve greater distances in upcoming competitions.

Currently working as an assistant director in Haryana’s employment department, Ekta Bhyan’s achievements exemplify dedication both on and off the field, reinforcing her stature as a leading figure in Indian para athletics.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar