Soorma Defends Gold, Dharamvir Takes Bronze in Men’s F51 Club Throw at Asian Para Games

Nagoya – The stadium buzzed on Friday as the men’s F51 club‑throw competition unfolded at the Asian Para Games 2026. When the final results were announced, all eyes turned to India’s own Pranav Soorma, who once again stood atop the podium, this time with a brand‑new Games record of 32.87 metres.

It wasn’t a surprise to many who’d followed Soorma’s journey. He had already claimed the same gold in the previous Asian edition and grabbed a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Yet watching him launch that heavy club from a seated position, muscles straining and focus razor‑sharp, felt like witnessing a masterclass in precision and power.

South Korea’s Jiwon Jung wasn’t far behind, earning silver with a solid 28.40 m. And rounding out the Indian presence on the podium, Dharamvir thrilled the home crowd by clinching bronze with a commendable 27.71 m. His throw, though short of Soorma’s, still marked a personal best in a fiercely competitive field.

The F51 classification, for athletes whose trunk, leg and hand movement are heavily impacted while retaining limited arm function, demands a unique blend of technique and sheer will. Competitors sit in a specially designed chair, channeling every ounce of strength through their shoulders and arms to propel the metal club as far as possible.

“It’s a dream to defend my title and set a new record for India,” Soorma said, his voice a mix of excitement and humility. “I hope our performances inspire more athletes with disabilities to chase their own goals.” Dharamvir added, “Winning bronze alongside Pranav is a proud moment. It shows the depth of talent we have in para‑athletics.”

India’s double‑medal haul in this event adds to a growing tally at the Games, underscoring the nation’s rising stature in para‑sports. With the next Paralympic cycle looming, both Soorma and Dharamvir are already eyeing further improvements, promising even more thrilling contests for fans worldwide.