From Losing His Left Hand To Becoming World Para Athletics Champion, Inspiring Journey of Sundar S Gurjar

Para Sports in India are seldom talked about. In a country where athletes, in general, have to fight for their dues, it takes a lot of courage to take up para-sports.

And for para-athletes, it's not just about rebuilding their lives; it's about proving that they too can make their country proud despite challenges. Sundar Singh Gurjar is one such athelte.

Sundar Singh Gurjar Indian Paralympic javelin thrower | TOI

The story of Gurjar is nothing less than a triumph of pure hard work over the stigma attached to a disabled athlete. How he started to compete in the para category is a heart-wrenching tale of nothing but bad luck.

All About Sundar Singh Gurjar

Sundar Singh Gurjar was born in 1996 at Devlen Village of Hindaun City, District Karauli in Rajasthan. Till November 2015, Sundar was competing in the General Category. But unfortunately, he injured his left-hand palm while placing a tin shade at his friends' house and he had to get it amputated later.

It was a tough time for Sundar, but he did not give up and went ahead with a strong will. Soon his hard work paid off and in the year 2017, he was engrossed.

Sundar Singh Gurjar Indian Paralympic javelin thrower | Twitter

Sundar Singh Gurjar was just 52 seconds late to reach the call room before his event at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and that cost him dearly. India¡¯s top Para javelin thrower was disqualified, but he never gave up and continued to do hard work on the field.

A long journey began to piece himself together that included psychiatric support and the right set of people around him. His coach and close friends rallied behind him, which was important to help him get out of a dark period.

Sundar Singh Gurjar Indian Paralympic javelin thrower | Twitter

Top javelin thrower Sundar Singh Gurjar made his strong comeback after being disqualified from Rio Olympics and claimed the second gold for India with a season-best performance at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships.

In doing so, Sundar not only defended his London Worlds 2017 title but also became the only second Indian to have clinched two World Championships medals after Devendra Jhajharia's gold and silver in 2013 Lyon and 2015 Doha Championships. India now has two golds, one silver and a bronze so far in the tournament.

For his hard work and determination towards his game, Sunder Singh Gurjar has been awarded the Arjuna Award for Para-Athletics.

After winning a gold medal in the Javelin throw event at World Para Athletics Championships, Sundar Singh Gurjar is the biggest hope for a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. For sure, the blessings of 1.3 billion people and his hard work is sure to make every Indian proud at a big stage.