How Did Yogesh Kathuniya Transform His Life Philosophy After Winning Silver?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yogesh Kathuniya won silver at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.
- He emphasizes the importance of action over words.
- His new mindset stems from past disappointments.
- He feels support from his family and community enhances his performance.
- Yogesh is focused on upcoming competitions, especially the Asian Para Games.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) Yogesh Kathuniya has transformed his approach to life, believing it will positively influence his future outcomes. The F56 discus thrower secured India's sixth medal at the ongoing 2025 World Para Athletics Championships held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, achieving a silver medal with a throw of 42.49 meters on his second attempt.
Previously, Yogesh was known for his excessive optimism. In the lead-up to significant competitions, he would often express confidence about winning gold, which unfortunately did not materialize. Over the past two Paralympics in Paris and Tokyo, along with the world championships, he had to settle for silver, which contrasted with his initial assertions.
In this latest event, he clinched another silver but refrained from making bold predictions. “I have ceased proclaiming that I will win gold. Paris was a significant letdown. I trust that this new mindset will ultimately benefit me,” Yogesh stated with pride while wrapped in the tricolor after winning silver.
“Every athlete puts in immense effort; luck plays a role too,” he remarked. The 28-year-old expressed particular joy in winning on home soil, surrounded by his family and supporters. “Winning here makes my medal profoundly special. I’m thrilled to have performed in front of my family, who have always backed me. Since I stopped claiming I would win gold, I felt no pressure and truly enjoyed my performance,” he added.
Yogesh also mentioned that his performance could have been better if not for some stringent regulations. “The officials were quite strict. The belt was tightened excessively, affecting my movement and typically reducing the distance by at least 3-4 meters,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Yogesh is setting his sights on the Asian Para Games scheduled for next year in Japan. “That’s my next objective. I am weary of over-promising. It’s time for concrete actions and results. I now believe in the process, and if that is managed well, outcomes will follow,” he asserted.
The championship commenced this past Saturday amidst considerable heat and humidity. However, as the discus throw event concluded, the weather turned cloudy, windy, and eventually rainy. “I wish the weather had improved earlier; I could have utilized some wind,” the 28-year-old quipped.
Lastly, Yogesh reflected on the progress of para sports and para-athletes in India. “Not long ago, there was minimal financial support and future prospects. This has changed dramatically. Sponsors are now readily available to support athletes. The future looks promising. More importantly, para-athletes require empathy rather than sympathy, and I’m pleased to see this transformation,” he concluded.