Aichi-Nagoya, 20 October (H.S.): Indian para-athlete Praveen Sharma brought honour to the country by winning the bronze medal in the men’s F11 shot put event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. Competing in his first Asian Para Games at the age of 19, Praveen recorded a personal best of 13.86 metres with his final throw to secure third place.

In the six-athlete event, Praveen had recorded a throw of 13.60 metres in his fourth attempt. However, he improved on that performance in his final attempt, throwing the shot 13.86 metres to seal the bronze medal.

Iran’s Amirhossein Alipour won the gold medal with an Asian Para Games record throw of 14.99 metres. His compatriot Mehdi Olad claimed the silver medal with a throw of 13.93 metres.

The F11 classification in shot put is for athletes with complete or near-complete visual impairment. India had also won a bronze medal in this event at the 2022 Asian Para Games. Praveen’s bronze medal at this year’s competition continues the country’s record of achievements in para-athletics.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar