New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) Ekta Bhyan of India, who has triumphed in the previous two editions of the World Para Athletics Championships, is targeting her third consecutive medal as she prepares to defend her title in the women's F51 club throw event on her home turf.

Last year, Ekta clinched the gold medal with a season's best throw of 20.12m during the world championships held in Kobe. In the 2023 championship, she earned a bronze medal in Paris, competing in the same event.

“In the last World Championship, I managed to throw over 20 meters. After that, I participated in eight competitions where I improved my performance. So, I’m optimistic about enhancing my personal best in this event. That’s my primary goal right now,” Ekta stated.

“Naturally, I’m also pursuing another medal. I intend to keep striving. Given my medal wins in the last two World Championships, I’m definitely aiming for a medal this time as well,” she added in a conversation with IANS.

On the expectations of being a defending champion, Ekta acknowledged, “Absolutely, there’s a specific level of anticipation. I, too, expect to surpass my previous achievements. I’m hopeful to either replicate or exceed my past performances. There’s a bit of pressure — it’s not something I approach with complete ease. Yes, there’s pressure to perform better and continue my improvement.”

Ekta, who serves as a Haryana Civil Services (HCS) officer, previously earned a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, followed by a bronze at the 2022 event in Hangzhou, China.

The World Para Athletics Championships will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5. This event marks the inaugural occasion for the country to host this prestigious championship, which is the largest ever para-sport competition in India.

Ekta emphasized that hosting a World Championship will significantly impact parasports and athletes in the country, stating that it brings India into the global spotlight and fosters improvements in infrastructure and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

“This will greatly enhance the Para movement and the broader Paralympic movement. It’s not solely about sports — it’s also about advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Hosting such events compels better infrastructure and greater accessibility for persons with disabilities throughout the nation.

“Moreover, this positions India on the international stage, with over a thousand athletes from various regions participating. I’m pleased to see India organizing such significant international events. Earlier this year, India successfully hosted the India Grand Prix, where numerous new athletes were classified.”

This establishes a new standard — not only in sporting excellence but also from a societal perspective. It illustrates that individuals with disabilities can be fully integrated into the mainstream,” Ekta articulated.

In 2003, a tragic accident drastically altered Ekta's life, leaving her with a spinal cord injury that confined her to a wheelchair. However, what could have marked the end of her aspirations instead ignited an extraordinary journey. Today, she stands as a world champion, a national record holder, and a powerful advocate for accessibility and inclusion.

Ekta competes in three distinct para-sports: discus throw, club throw, and para-table tennis. She has garnered two world championship medals, two Asian Games medals, and a total of 12 national championship medals across discus and club throw events.