How the ‘Flag Controversy’ Led to Navdeep Singh’s Gold Medal in Javelin Throw F41 at the Paralympics
Navdeep, who competes in the classification for athletes of short stature, initially secured a silver medal after surpassing world record holder Sun Pengxiang of China with a throw of 47.32 meters.
India’s Navdeep Singh’s silver medal was upgraded to gold after the initial winner, Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah, was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag during a dramatic men’s javelin throw F41 final at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday. This marks India’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s javelin F41 category. The 23-year-old para-athlete from Haryana, who had finished fourth at the Tokyo Games three years ago, achieved a personal best throw of 47.32 meters to claim the top position.
The International Paralympic Committee rules prohibit any political gestures during the event, and Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified from the final results for unsporting conduct.
Iraq’s Nukhailawi Wildan, with a throw of 40.46 meters, claimed the bronze medal.
Navdeep started the competition with a foul but, after entering with a personal best of 44.29 meters and a season best of 42.82 meters, he made a throw of 46.39 meters in his second attempt, moving him into second place. It was his third attempt that electrified the stadium.
Navdeep’s 47.32-meter throw shattered the Paralympic record and briefly put him in the lead, only for Sayah to surpass it with a 47.64-meter throw in his fifth attempt. However, due to Sayah’s disqualification, Navdeep was awarded the gold medal.
Navdeep’s Journey: From Adversity to International Podium
Born in Panipat, Haryana, Navdeep Singh faced numerous challenges from the start but refused to let his condition define him. Inspired by his father, a national-level wrestler and Gram Sachiv, Navdeep channeled his passion into athletics, overcoming societal expectations and physical limitations.
After completing his education at Unique Public School and earning a B.A. in Hindi (Hons.) from Delhi University, Navdeep’s commitment to sports grew stronger. His career took a decisive turn in 2017 when he began professional coaching and made his international debut at the Asian Youth Para Games, winning gold in the javelin throw.
This victory marked a turning point, demonstrating that his determination and grit could overcome any obstacle. Navdeep went on to win five national gold medals and secured an international gold at the 2021 Fazza International Championship in Dubai.
Despite setbacks at the Tokyo Paralympics and the 2022 Asian Para Games, where he finished fourth, Navdeep, who serves as an inspector in the Income Tax Department in Bengaluru, rebounded by earning bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, earlier this year
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