Who is Pranav Soorma? Discover the Hero Who Brought Pride to India by Winning silver at Paralympics

With one of the longest throws of 34.59m, Pranav Soorma's outstanding performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024 guaranteed a silver medal in the Men's Club Throw F51 competition. His exceptional performance on the international scene motivates others with his great success, as it shows his commitment to his sport and makes India proud on the world stage.

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Who is Pranav Soorma?

Born in Haryana on October 4, 1994, Pranav Soorma has become a notable person in the realm of para sports. Focussing on the Men's Club Throw F51 event, Soorma just came home with a silver medal from the Paris Paralympics 2024, therefore reinforcing his standing as a strong athlete in his field of discipline.

Background and Journey

At sixteen, Pranav's life changed dramatically when he fell from a cement sheet severely injuring his spinal cord. Doctors first thought he would never walk again after this accident left him paralysed and wheelchair bound. Although his prolonged hospital stay and subsequent adjustment to his new environment were difficult, Soorma's strong will made clear at this time.

Pranav, resolved to remain optimistic, embraced meditation and, via friends, developed a liking for para athletics. He struggled physically but thrived intellectually, scoring 91.2% on his 12th board exams and working on a masters degree in business at the renowned Delhi School of Economics. Apart from his academic achievements, he started his professional life working for the Bank of Baroda as an Assistant Manager.

Pranav loved roller hockey and cricket before his injuries. As he investigated para sporting and finally found his vocation in para-athletics, his passion of sports was rediscovered in a different form. Among his notable successes on his path through many contests and tournaments include a silver medal at the 2019 Beijing Grand Prix, gold medals at the Serbia Open in 2023 and 2024, and both gold and silver medals at the Tunisia Grand Prix in 2022. Especially, he broke a record with a 30.01m throw in the men's club throw F51 event at the Asian Para Games 2023, therefore securing a gold medal.

Family Support

Pranav's success narrative depends much on his family's unflinching support. Leaving his private sector employment to help Pranav's athletic career, Sanjeev Soorma, his father, made a great sacrifice and acted as an escort throughout training and events. Offering emotional support and encouragement, Pranav's mother has been a tower of strength and inspiration along his path.

Achievements

• Paris Paralympics 2024 - Silver Medal
• World Championships 2024 - 4th Place
• Asian Para Games 2022 (2023) - Gold Medal (Asian Record)
• Serbia Open 2023 & 2024 - Gold Medal
• Czech International Championships 2024 - Gold Medal
• Tunis Grand Prix 2022 - Gold and Silver Medals

Government Support

Along with an out-of-pocket payment under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Pranav has also had major government support for equipment, training, and competition as well as financial aid.

The life of Pranav Soorma is a potent monument to tenacity, resiliency, and the value of family and community support. Many people still find inspiration in his successes as they highlight the amazing heights one may attain despite difficult obstacles.