Who is Sundar Singh Gurjar? All you need to know about the Indian para-athlete competing in the Paris 2024 Paralympics
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will feature several para-athletes from India aiming to win their debut medal in the event, and Sundar Singh Gurjar is among those expected to challenge for a podium finish. The Paris 2024 Paralympics is taking place between August 28 and September 8.
A multitalented para-athlete, Sundar Singh competes in the F46 category in javelin throw, shot put, and discus throw events.
Despite his 28 years of age, two-time Paralympian Sundar Singh Gurjar is one of the most experienced members of the 84-athlete-strong Indian contingent in Paris. Sundar Singh has represented his country in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 but has only managed to win a bronze medal so far.
Now a part of the Paris 2024 contingent, Sundar Singh Gurjar will try and improve his Paralympic medal tally by challenging for the gold medal when he takes the field in the French capital city.
Sundar Singh Gurjar’s career in brief
Sundar Singh was born in Devlen Village in Rajasthan’s Karauli district. He had a knack for sports since his early days and competed in events as an able-bodied athlete.
However, Sundar Singh met with a freak accident in 2015. While fixing a tin shade at a friend’s house, the shade was dropped on his left hand by another person, which led to its amputation from the wrist.
Despite the traumatic incident, Sundar Singh Gurjar persevered in his love for sports. He shifted his focus to para-athletics and started training under Mahaveer Prasad Saini. He took part in the 8th Fazza IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai in 2016, achieving the ‘A’ qualification mark required for Rio 2016.
However, his Paralympic debut in Brazil soon turned into a nightmare. The para-athlete was late by 52 seconds to reach the call room during the event and was disqualified as a result.
After the massive heartbreak, Sundar Singh jumped back by breaking a national record at the 16th Para Athletics National Championship in Panchkula, registering a throw of 59.36m. He also won a gold medal in the javelin throw event at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London.
In the same year, Sundar Singh Gurjar won an unprecedented three gold medals in javelin throw, discus throw, and shot put events at the 9th FAZZA IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai.
He then took part in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, winning a silver medal in javelin throw and a bronze medal in discus throw. In the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, Sundar Singh won a gold medal in the javelin throw event, becoming the first Indian para-athlete since Devendra Jhajharia to clinch two World Championships medals.
Sundar Singh Gurjar’s crowning moment came in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, when he won a bronze medal in the javelin throw F46 event.
Sundar Singh continued his good form, winning a gold medal in the javelin throw event at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. Clearing a distance of 68.60m, the Indian para-athlete created a new world record in his category.
He finished fourth in the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships in Paris, thus securing his place at the Paris 2024 Games. He will now hope to give his all at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics as he looks to win the first Paralympic gold medal of his stellar career.