How Did Rinku-Sundar's Performance Inspire Sargar, India’s Second Javelin Gold Winner at New Delhi WPAC?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sandip Sanjay Sargar won gold in the javelin F44 category.
- Rinku and Sundar Singh Gurjar's success motivated Sargar.
- Tough weather conditions presented challenges for Sargar.
- Sargar's personal best throw was 62.82 meters.
- Sargar's victory is a source of national pride for India.
New Delhi, Oct 2 (NationPress) Following the impressive gold and silver achievements of Rinku and Sundar Singh Gurjar in the F46 category, Sandip Sanjay Sargar and Sandeep Chaudhary mirrored their success in the javelin F44 category.
Sargar openly acknowledged that the remarkable performance of Rinku and Gurjar motivated him significantly, as he was present to witness their triumph firsthand.
“I was here to absorb the entire experience—the atmosphere, the crowd cheering. It was essential for me to acclimate, and that truly benefited me,” stated the Maharashtra athlete after securing the gold medal.
During his fifth attempt, Sargar equaled his personal best with a throw of 62.82. He had already taken the lead with a throw of 62.68 before that, but it was Sandeep Chaudhary from Rajasthan who created excitement with an initial throw of 62.33. Chaudhary later improved to 62.67, but Sargar’s performance remained unmatched.
The heavy rain earlier in the day led to a significant drop in temperatures. While this change provided relief to the spectators, it negatively impacted Sargar’s performance. “The rain and cold conditions were not favorable for me. I believe I could have performed much better in warmer weather, which helps to loosen up,” Sargar, who trains at SAI Sonepat and is a TOPS Core athlete, expressed.
Wrapped in the tri-colors, Sargar appeared modest, expressing confidence in securing a medal. “I felt certain that a medal was within reach. Winning it for my country is an incredible feeling,” he remarked.
In contrast, the cooler weather seemed to benefit Sandeep, who previously won gold in Dubai and the Kobe World Championships in 2019 and 2024 in the F64 category. “I trained in Bengaluru, where the temperatures are quite similar. I believe this was destined for me, and I’m thrilled to win a medal for my nation,” he shared.
Sargar’s gold medal marked India’s third victory at the event, soon followed by Sumit bringing the total to four in the F64 category.
On Monday, Rinku’s family and friends made a three-hour journey from their village in Rohtak to support him. He noted that their presence had a positive influence on his performance.
Unlike Rinku, Sargar did not have any family or friends in attendance. “There was no one in the stands, but I was determined to perform well,” concluded the humble athlete, who once worked as a Zomato delivery boy in Pune.