'More Aggression than Kohli': Why Gold Medalist Navdeep is Being Called 'Virat Kohli of Paralympics'

In a thrilling turn of events at the Paris Paralympics on September 7, India secured its seventh gold medal, with javelin thrower Navdeep delivering a performance that not only shattered records but also sparked a wave of comparisons to cricketing superstar Virat Kohli . Navdeep's journey to gold was as dramatic as it was exhilarating, cementing his place as a formidable force in the Paralympic arena.

Virat Kohli of Paralympics?

In the wake of this dramatic victory, Navdeep has been drawing comparisons to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli . On social media, many fans have dubbed him the 'Kohli of Paralympics,' not just for his athletic prowess but for his fiery demeanor. 

During his victorious moment, Navdeep was captured on camera expressing his exhilaration with a curse word, a display of raw emotion and aggression that echoed Kohli's trademark intensity on the cricket field. Navdeep’s behavior, particularly his unfiltered reaction after the throw, resonates with Kohli’s approach.

Why was Navdeep's silver medal upgraded to gold?

Navdeep's achievement came after an intense competition in the Men's Javelin Throw F41 event. The Indian athlete stunned the audience by throwing a javelin a remarkable 47.32m, surpassing the previous Paralympic record set by China's Pengxiang Sun in Tokyo 2021. This throw was not only a personal best for Navdeep but also a record-breaking feat.

Initially, the gold medal seemed out of reach for Navdeep. He finished second, behind Iran's Beit Sayah Sadegh, who set a new Paralympic Games record with a throw of 47.65m. The Indian athlete’s impressive performance was overshadowed by Sayah's dominance, with many expecting the Iranian to secure the gold.

However, fate took an unexpected turn. Shortly after the event, Sadegh was disqualified for violating Rule 8.1 of the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations. This rule prohibits athletes from making political gestures during events. Sayah's disqualification stemmed from his repeated display of an objectionable flag, which was deemed an improper and unsporting conduct by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

With Sadegh out of the race, Navdeep's silver medal was upgraded to gold, marking a moment of jubilation for the Indian contingent. This unexpected twist added to the drama of Navdeep's triumph, amplifying the significance of his achievement.