A record that made India proud
Mahendra Gurjar breaks world record in Para Athletics Grand Prix: Mahendra Gurjar, a 27-year-old para-athlete from India, achieved a stunning milestone at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland. Competing in the F42 javelin category, he set a new world record with a powerful throw of 61.17 meters. This earned him a gold medal and global recognition. The F42 category includes athletes with moderate movement impairment in one leg, and Gurjar’s achievement is being celebrated as one of India’s proudest sporting moments in recent times.
A throw that rewrote history
Gurjar’s third attempt was the turning point. His initial throws stood at 56.11m and 55.51m. But it was the third one, measuring 61.17m, that shattered the previous world record of 59.19m set by Brazil’s Roberto Floriani Edenilson in 2022. Gurjar didn’t stop there—his next three throws were all above 57 meters, showcasing remarkable consistency.
Understanding the F42 category
The F42 category is part of the para-athletics classification system. It involves athletes who have leg impairments but do not use prosthetics during competition. Events like javelin and long jump are tailored for this category. While it’s a significant part of para athletics, it is unfortunately not included in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, nor was it part of the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Para Games.
Competing beyond categories
Gurjar didn’t just compete in the F42 bracket. He participated in a combined event featuring athletes from categories like F40, F57, F63, and F64. Despite the broader competition, he claimed the top position within his class. His performance stood out even in this mixed-group format.
Back-to-back golds
Just days before his javelin victory, Gurjar clinched another gold in long jump T42 on May 23. This was his first time competing in the long jump, and his leap of 5.59 meters ranked him number one in Asia in the T42 long jump category. This kind of versatility is rare and puts him in an elite league of para-athletes globally.
Sumit Antil’s winning performance
India’s winning streak continued as Sumit Antil bagged gold in the F64 javelin category. With a strong throw of 72.35 meters, he added another feather to India’s cap. The F64 category includes athletes with limb differences or movement issues in both legs, often using prosthetics or wheelchairs during performance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Detail |
| Athlete name | Mahendra Gurjar |
| Event | Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix |
| Category | F42 Javelin |
| World Record Distance | 61.17 meters |
| Previous Record Holder | Roberto Floriani Edenilson (Brazil, 59.19m) |
| Gurjar’s Second Gold | T42 Long Jump – 5.59 meters |
| Sumit Antil’s Achievement | F64 Javelin – 72.35 meters |
| F42 category status | Not in Paris 2024 Paralympics |
| Gurjar’s Age | 27 |
| India’s Para Athletics Standing | Boosted with dual gold medal wins |
