In a remarkable display of strength and skill, Sachin Khilari has added a new chapter to India’s Paralympic glory by clinching the silver medal in the Men’s Shot Put F46 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This category includes athletes with upper limb impairments due to limb deficiency, impaired muscle power, or restricted passive range of movement. With a phenomenal throw of 16.32 meters, Khilari not only secured India’s 21st medal at the Games but also set a new Asian record. This impressive achievement marks India’s 10th silver medal at the Paris Paralympics and highlights Khilari’s exceptional performance and reinforcing India’s position on the global Paralympic stage.
Sachin Khilari, born on October 23, 1989, hails from Karagani village in Sangli district of Maharashtra. Sachin’s life took a challenging turn following a tragic accident during his school years, which left him with a disability in his left hand. However, instead of viewing his disability as a setback, Sachin embraced it as a unique strength.
His introduction to para sports in 2015 marked the beginning of an inspiring journey. By 2017, he had already made a mark by winning a gold medal at the national games in Jaipur. This early success led him to meet coach Satyanarayana, who played a pivotal role in honing Sachin’s skills and supporting his transition to a full-time athlete by 2019.
Balancing sports with academics, Sachin also excelled as a mechanical engineer and continues to contribute as a visiting faculty member, assisting students in their preparations for MPSC and UPSC exams. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including the loss of his mother and a debilitating bicycle accident that resulted in multiple unsuccessful surgeries, Sachin’s unwavering determination, supported by his father’s encouragement, enabled him to overcome adversity and achieve excellence in both his physical and academic endeavors.
