India enjoyed a productive outing at the
Pradeep Kumar, competing in the F54 classification, delivered a standout performance by recording a personal best throw of 27.45m. This effort was sufficient to secure the silver medal, marking his second consecutive podium finish in the event. Meanwhile, Ayush Verma, representing the F53 category, claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 17.88m. Despite his shorter distance compared to some competitors, Verma benefited from the Raza points system, which adjusts scores based on the degree of disability when multiple classifications are combined into a single event.
Technical Precision and Competition Dynamics
The event saw a high level of competition, with Iran’s Erfan Bondori successfully defending his title. Bondori set a new Games record with a throw of 30.24m to take the gold. The tactical nature of the event was highlighted by the performance of Ayush Verma, who finished ahead of Thailand’s Sahar-dam Yaena. Although Yaena recorded a throw of 23.31m, Verma’s higher degree of disability under the F53 classification earned him more Raza points, ultimately securing him the bronze medal in what was a personal best effort for the Games debutant.
The F53 and F54 classifications represent different levels of physical impairment. Athletes in the F53 category typically possess full function of their arms and hands but lack the abdominal and lower spinal muscle activity required for sitting balance. In contrast, F54 athletes generally have full upper muscle power in their arms and partial-to-full trunk muscle power, though their mid-trunk and leg movement remains significantly affected.
This double medal success mirrors India’s performance in the same event at the 2023 edition of the Games, where the nation also secured silver and bronze. Following his success on the field, Ayush Verma is set to return to action on Wednesday to compete in the men's shot put F53 final.
