New Delhi, October 5(HS): Germany’s para sprinter Max Marzilier found a heartfelt way to express his gratitude for India’s warm hospitality after winning gold in the men’s 400m T47 event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, being held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

In his final race, Marzilier wore a white headband that bore the Hindi phrase “Kabhi Haar Mat Maano” (Never Give Up) written in saffron letters. Above it was imprinted the symbol of a lotus — a design he said represented both his spiritual connection to Buddhism and the principles of purity and perseverance.

“This was my way of saying thank you to India,” Marzilier said after defeating Japan’s Ryota Fukunaga and Botswana’s Bose Mokgwathi to claim gold.

“Athletes are always welcomed here with such warmth. Wearing Hindi words on my forehead was a sign of respect and gratitude. Wherever we compete, we try to honor the country that hosts us in our own way.”Marzilier credited the idea to his coach and mentor, Steffi Nerius, an Olympic medalist and former javelin thrower known for wearing messages in the host country’s language as a gesture of courtesy.

The 29-year-old sprinter said he decided to continue that tradition in Delhi, making it his own expression of appreciation.The lotus symbol, he added, carried an added layer of meaning.

“In Buddhism, humility and resilience are key virtues — it’s about rising above challenges unstained. For me, that perfectly captured my own journey of recovery from injury.”The message on the headband wasn’t just symbolic; it influenced his mindset during the race.

Trailing behind Fukunaga in the final stretch, Marzilier seemed set for silver — until, as he described, the words on his forehead reminded him not to give up. In the final meters, he surged forward and won by just three-hundredths of a second.

“I had knee pain and barely trained for weeks,” he admitted after the race. “So this medal was unexpected. But that headband reminded me—never give up.”

Marzilier’s gesture became a talking point after the race. Emotional yet overjoyed, he said the moment meant more than the medal itself — it symbolized his connection to a country that treated him with care and respect.“Respect in sport matters as much as performance,” he reflected.

“Tonight, I just wanted to show that respect to India. I’m grateful to this country for giving me the strength to win when I least expected it.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar