Yogesh Kathuniya, the Indian para discus thrower, knows the bittersweet taste of finishing second all too well. His silver medal at the Tokyo Summer Games, followed by a string of silver medals at international events, has fueled an unwavering desire for gold. He’s not simply content with winning medals; he’s hungry for the top spot, and his sights are firmly set on the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Ever since his remarkable comeback from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a neurological condition that left him wheelchair-bound for two years, Yogesh has defied expectations, breaking world records and proving that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In the face of constant physical limitations, he’s had to fight through injuries and setbacks, pushing his body and mind to new limits.
He’s also had to confront the emotional toll of repeatedly falling just short of gold. “I won’t lie,” he admits. “I was quite happy with how I performed in Tokyo. It was my biggest medal until that point. After that, a lot of things changed. My family was happy. But in me, there’s this big fire, and it’s just not getting extinguished. That’s a good thing, I guess. It keeps me going.”
Yogesh is a man of faith, and he credits his strong belief in God for helping him through difficult times. He finds solace in the Shiv Puran and prays for the strength to achieve his goals. His unwavering belief, along with a steely determination, fuels his training regimen, which includes two hours of training in the morning and another session in the evening. He’s even added eggs and meat to his diet to meet his protein requirements, showcasing his commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving peak performance.
Yogesh’s sights are set on a personal milestone—crossing the 50m barrier in discus throw, a feat that would further cement his place among the world’s elite athletes. He’s not afraid to dream big, and his relentless pursuit of excellence is an inspiration to all. He hopes that the adrenaline rush of the Paralympics will propel him to break that elusive mark, bringing him closer to his ultimate goal—gold.
Paris holds a special place in Yogesh’s heart. His first visit in 2019 was a whirlwind of exploration, taking in iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. With each visit, Paris has marked a significant chapter in his life. This time around, he’s hoping for an unforgettable experience—one that culminates in victory and a celebratory rasmalai, his favorite dessert.
Yogesh’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. As he prepares to compete on the world stage once again, he carries with him the hopes of a nation and the unwavering belief that this time, the gold medal will be his.
