Indian discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya, a familiar face on the podium, has won his fifth consecutive silver medal at major events since the Tokyo Games in 2020. Despite this consistent success, the 27-year-old athlete from Haryana believes there is still room for improvement, particularly in his mental game.
Kathuniya, who achieved a season-best throw of 42.22m in the discus throw F-56 at the Paris Paralympics, admitted that his mental strength has been lacking. He attributed this to a cervical injury sustained since the Tokyo Games, which has impacted his focus and confidence. “If you are mentally fit, you can defeat your opponent easily,” he said. “If you have a strong mindset, you know that this is not a big deal. You just have to go there and perform.”
Kathuniya, who competes from a seated position due to his disability, has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. He battled chickenpox in 2022, followed by a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy, which affected his vertebrae. Despite these setbacks, he persevered, claiming a silver medal at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year.
Looking ahead, Kathuniya is determined to push himself further. He is confident that he can participate in two more Paralympics and is planning to adjust his technique to improve his performance. “It’s okay. I am still young,” he stated. “I will do better. I will change my style this time. I have a World Championship next year. I will perform well next year.”
Although he fell short of his personal best and Tokyo Games performance in Paris, Kathuniya remains ambitious, aiming to break the 50m mark in the seated discus throw. He acknowledges that his recent string of silver medals, while a significant achievement, has not quelled his hunger for more. “To be honest, my hunger will never end. Even if I hit 50m, my hunger will not end. I want to show the world that it was Yogesh Kathuniya who crossed 50m in a seated throw, the first person in the world.”
Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, Kathuniya is taking a two-month break, prioritizing rest and relaxation. He will also embark on his first solo trip to Switzerland, a journey designed to test his independence and further enhance his mental strength. “I think my mind should be relaxed. And I will have to go away from sports once. So that I can focus more on mental strength,” he concluded.
