India scripted a memorable podium sweep at the Asian Para Games, with Devender Kumar, Rakesh and Pardeep Kumar claiming gold, silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s discus throw F43/F44/F62/F64 final. Devender led the Indian charge with 781 Raza points, while Rakesh finished second with 771 points. Pardeep completed the clean sweep with 669 points, despite recording the longest throw of the competition.
Devender’s second-round effort seals gold
Devender secured gold with a best effort of 49.71 metres in his second attempt. After opening with 48.85m, he fouled on his third and fourth throws, managed 45.20m in the fifth, and recorded another foul in his final attempt. His second-round effort ultimately proved decisive.Rakesh claimed silver with 771 points after recording a best throw of 49.35m in his fourth attempt. He began with 47.87m before registering 46.08m in the second round and fouling on his third attempt. Although he could not improve on his fourth-round effort in his final two throws, it was enough to secure second place.
Pardeep takes bronze despite longest throw
Pardeep, competing in the F64 classification, won bronze with 669 points despite producing a personal-best throw of 51.15m in his second attempt. He opened with 46.95m before improving significantly, followed by 50.83m in the third round. His remaining throws measured 46.16m, 48.80m and 47.84m.
How the Raza points system works
The event brought together athletes from different classification categories, with the Raza points system determining the final standings. The system adjusts performances into points to account for differences in disability classifications, meaning the longest throw does not necessarily guarantee the highest finish. India’s trio made the most of the format to secure all three medals in a commanding display.
India enjoy record medal haul on Day 2
India enjoyed a landmark outing on Day 2 of the Asian Para Games, securing a record 24 medals across athletics, para table tennis, shooting, powerlifting and swimming. The day’s highlights included Nishad Kumar‘s gold in the men’s high jump T47 with a Games record, Deepthi Jeevanji’s gold in the women’s 400m T20, and Pranav Soorma’s gold in the men’s discus throw F51/F52/F53. India’s podium sweep in the men’s discus added to an impressive medal haul as the country’s para-athletes continued to shine across disciplines.
