NEW DELHI: From enduring taunts about his dwarfism to attaining glory on the Paris Paralympics, Navdeep Singh‘s journey is a story of exceptional resilience. The 4 toes 4 inches tall para javelin sensation secured the gold medal within the F41 classification on the Paris Paralympic Video games.
After ending fourth on the Tokyo Paralympics three years in the past and claiming bronze on the 2024 World Para Athletics Championship, Navdeep was decided to vary his destiny this time.
He stood proudly atop the rostrum, with tears in his eyes, because the Indian nationwide anthem performed and the tricolor was raised on the roaring Stade de France.
Initially awarded the silver, Navdeep’s medal was upgraded to gold after Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag, violating the Worldwide Paralympic Committee’s guidelines, which prohibit political gestures.
Sayah’s unsporting conduct led to his disqualification, permitting Navdeep to take his place because the champion.
“I used to be so stunned when the crimson card was proven to the Iranian javelin thrower. He began crying. He was in tears and weeping. I additionally turned so emotional that I went to him and hugged him. I consoled him. Till then, I didn’t know what precisely had occurred and the explanation behind this massive choice,” Navdeep informed TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview from Paris.
For Navdeep, the gold medal is redemption for the heartbreak of ending fourth on the Tokyo Paralympics.
“Once I was given the gold medal, I used to be so glad. Tokyo is previously now, Paris is the current. I’m actually delighted that I may make my nation proud. I’m actually glad I may add yet another gold medal to India’s tally. Individuals at all times keep in mind gold,” an elated Navdeep stated.
“My first throw was a foul. I checked out my coach, and he requested me to stay calm. In my second try, I threw 46-plus. I turned towards my coach and requested him how a lot I threw in my second try. He stated 46-plus. I used to be amazed as a result of I didn’t put a lot effort into it. It gave me a lot spark and motivation to do even higher. After which, the remaining is historical past,” he stated.
“I by no means imagined I might throw 47-plus, truthfully. I don’t have any concept how I did this. As a result of throughout my coaching simply earlier than departing for Paris, I used to be throwing 41 or 42. However I don’t understand how I managed to throw 47-plus,” Navdeep added.
‘FALLING – LAST SOLUTION’
Navdeep follows within the footsteps of two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra and believes that the strategy of falling simply earlier than releasing the javelin offers a strong increase, very like Neeraj does together with his throws.
Navdeep credit this method to his coach, Naval Singh, who has been instrumental in shaping his profession.
“My coach, Naval Singh, has labored loads with me. He has educated me for nearly seven years. He has performed a giant function in my profession. No matter I’m right this moment, it’s due to him. He has made me an international-level javelin thrower. All of the credit score for my method and basis goes to him,” Navdeep stated.
“Mera girna mera akhiri upay hota hai. Jab gir jata hun, wo throw acha jata hai [Falling is my last resort. When I fall, that throw goes well],” (snigger) Navdeep stated.
Having simply returned from Paris, coach Naval watched Navdeep’s remaining with confidence, understanding his pupil would deliver dwelling a Paralympic medal.
“I knew Navdeep was going to make me and India proud. He has executed a variety of onerous work. Navdeep ki method Neeraj Chopra se bhi behtar hai (Navdeep’s method is even higher than Neeraj Chopra’s). If he had been in able-bodied athletics, he would have executed wonders. However we’re all pleased with Navdeep. That is simply the beginning for him—he’s going to interrupt a number of data,” a assured coach stated.
After ending fourth on the Tokyo Paralympics three years in the past and claiming bronze on the 2024 World Para Athletics Championship, Navdeep was decided to vary his destiny this time.
He stood proudly atop the rostrum, with tears in his eyes, because the Indian nationwide anthem performed and the tricolor was raised on the roaring Stade de France.
Initially awarded the silver, Navdeep’s medal was upgraded to gold after Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag, violating the Worldwide Paralympic Committee’s guidelines, which prohibit political gestures.
Sayah’s unsporting conduct led to his disqualification, permitting Navdeep to take his place because the champion.
“I used to be so stunned when the crimson card was proven to the Iranian javelin thrower. He began crying. He was in tears and weeping. I additionally turned so emotional that I went to him and hugged him. I consoled him. Till then, I didn’t know what precisely had occurred and the explanation behind this massive choice,” Navdeep informed TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview from Paris.
For Navdeep, the gold medal is redemption for the heartbreak of ending fourth on the Tokyo Paralympics.
“Once I was given the gold medal, I used to be so glad. Tokyo is previously now, Paris is the current. I’m actually delighted that I may make my nation proud. I’m actually glad I may add yet another gold medal to India’s tally. Individuals at all times keep in mind gold,” an elated Navdeep stated.
“My first throw was a foul. I checked out my coach, and he requested me to stay calm. In my second try, I threw 46-plus. I turned towards my coach and requested him how a lot I threw in my second try. He stated 46-plus. I used to be amazed as a result of I didn’t put a lot effort into it. It gave me a lot spark and motivation to do even higher. After which, the remaining is historical past,” he stated.
“I by no means imagined I might throw 47-plus, truthfully. I don’t have any concept how I did this. As a result of throughout my coaching simply earlier than departing for Paris, I used to be throwing 41 or 42. However I don’t understand how I managed to throw 47-plus,” Navdeep added.
‘FALLING – LAST SOLUTION’
Navdeep follows within the footsteps of two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra and believes that the strategy of falling simply earlier than releasing the javelin offers a strong increase, very like Neeraj does together with his throws.
Navdeep credit this method to his coach, Naval Singh, who has been instrumental in shaping his profession.
“My coach, Naval Singh, has labored loads with me. He has educated me for nearly seven years. He has performed a giant function in my profession. No matter I’m right this moment, it’s due to him. He has made me an international-level javelin thrower. All of the credit score for my method and basis goes to him,” Navdeep stated.
“Mera girna mera akhiri upay hota hai. Jab gir jata hun, wo throw acha jata hai [Falling is my last resort. When I fall, that throw goes well],” (snigger) Navdeep stated.
Having simply returned from Paris, coach Naval watched Navdeep’s remaining with confidence, understanding his pupil would deliver dwelling a Paralympic medal.
“I knew Navdeep was going to make me and India proud. He has executed a variety of onerous work. Navdeep ki method Neeraj Chopra se bhi behtar hai (Navdeep’s method is even higher than Neeraj Chopra’s). If he had been in able-bodied athletics, he would have executed wonders. However we’re all pleased with Navdeep. That is simply the beginning for him—he’s going to interrupt a number of data,” a assured coach stated.
