What’s the story?
Para-athlete Sandeep Choudhary recorded a gigantic throw of 56.52m at the Indian trials for the 2017 World Championships to seal his berth at the event. It was a season-best throw effort for Choudhary and was the best by any athlete in his category around the world so far this year.
Currently ranked 54 in the official world rankings, Choudhary is hoping to make a mark in London come July. He spoke exclusively to Sportskeeda after ensuring his qualification and expressed his delight.
“I am very happy after my throw. Now, I am looking to do well in London and I hope I will bring a medal and make the country proud,” said the 21-year old.
In case you didn’t know
An alumnus of Delhi University’s Hans Raj College, Choudhary competes in the F44 category. Last year, he represented India at the Paralympics in Rio de Janiero, where he finished just one place off the podium with a personal best effort of 54.30m.
The heart of the matter
Choudhary suffered a broken hip in a road accident in 2008. It was only in 2014 that he took up Javelin and in a short span of time, he has won multiple medals at international events along with holding the position of national champion.
He has been ranked as high as third in the world and number one in Asia. He won gold at the FAZZA World Para-Athletic Championships in Dubai as well as in Germany at the Berlin Open.
At the Paralympic final, Choudhary was in contention for a medal for quite some time after registering his personal best of 54.30m in his very first attempt. However, Trinidad and Tobago’s Akeem Stewart surpassed the Indian with a world record effort of 57.23m, which gave him the gold medal.
Choudhary was eventually overtaken by Alister McQueen from Canada and Kiwi Rory McSweeney in the later rounds and despite his best efforts, he could not better his distance from the first round. He had to settle for fourth place but has his eyes set on a medal in Tokyo in three years’ time.
What’s next?
Preparations are in full swing for the World Para Athletics Championships for the 21-year-old, as he will look to return home with a medal. Prior to London, he will travel to Paris to take part in the Handisport Open, scheduled for May 30-31.
Author’s take
It is always heartening to see Indian athletes make the nation proud in an international competition. We wish Sandeep all the very best for his future!
