Mahendra Gurjar Wins Gold with World Record at Para Athletics Grand Prix

On May 26, Indian para-athlete Mahendra Gurjar won a gold medal with a world record-breaking throw of 61.17 meters in the men's javelin throw F42 category at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland.

The 27-year-old athlete from India surpassed the previous world record of 59.19 meters, set by Brazil's Roberto Floreani Adenilson in 2022. Mahendra achieved this remarkable feat on his third attempt. His first two throws measured 56.11 meters and 55.51 meters, respectively. On May 25, his final three attempts were recorded at 58.54 meters, 57.25 meters, and 58.07 meters.

Two-time Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder Sumit Antil also secured the top position in the men's javelin throw F64 category with a 72.35-meter throw. The F64 class includes athletes with a mild movement impairment or limb deficiency in one or both legs.

Mahendra’s coach, Samarjeet Singh Malhi, told PTI from Switzerland, “This was a combined event in which athletes from other classifications also participated. Mahendra won the gold in the F42 category and also set the world record in the same class.” He added, “It’s common for para-athletes from different categories to compete together in combined events.”

This was Mahendra’s second gold medal in the Grand Prix. On May 23, he also clinched the top spot in the long jump T42 category with a jump of 5.59 meters. Malhi further stated, “Alongside javelin throw, we’ve started training for long jump. This was his first competition in long jump T42, and after this gold, he will become Asia’s number one in the event.”