In a remarkable display of determination and skill, India’s Ravi Rongali set personal bests three times during the men’s F40 shot put final at the Paris Paralympics on September 1, 2024. Despite his outstanding performance, Rongali narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fifth place.
Ravi Rongali, who transitioned from para-badminton to athletics, has entered the shot put final with a personal best of 10.33 meters. However, he surpassed this mark in all his first three attempts, registering throws of 10.44 meters, 10.49 meters, and finally, an impressive 10.63 meters.
The men’s F40 shot put final was fiercely competitive, with athletes from around the world showcasing their best performances. Portugal’s Miguel Monteiro clinched the gold medal with a Paralympic record throw of 11.21 meters. Mongolia’s Battulga Tsegmid secured the silver with a throw of 11.09 meters, while Iraq’s Garrah Tnaiash took the bronze with a throw of 11.03 meters. Russia’s Denis Gnezdilov, the Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist and current world para athletics champion, finished just ahead of Rongali in fourth place with a throw of 10.80 meters.
Ravi Rongali’s Performance
Rongali’s initial throw of 10.44 meters set the tone for the competition, and he continued to improve with each attempt. His best throw of 10.63 meters, achieved on his third attempt, was a significant improvement over his previous personal best. Despite not securing a medal, Rongali’s achievement was celebrated as a personal victory and a proud moment for India.
Did you know that Ravi Rongali has won medals in badminton, javelin and shot put? Here's his story –
Ravi hails from Chirikivanipalem in Visakhapatnam. He was born with a height impairment and his parents worked on farms.
His para-sports journey by playing para-badminton in… pic.twitter.com/aJnk4gC2Ng
— Shyam Vasudevan (@JesuisShyam) September 1, 2024
Rongali’s performance garnered widespread admiration and support from fans, fellow athletes, and officials. The Paralympic Committee of India praised his efforts, highlighting his journey from winning gold at the National Games to securing silver at the Asian Para Games. “Ravi’s performance at the Paris Paralympics is a reflection of his dedication and hard work. Setting personal bests thrice in a single competition is no small feat,” said a spokesperson from the committee.
