Ankur Dhama Wins Gold Medal in Men’s 5000m T11 at Asian Para Games 2023

On Monday, at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, India’s Ankur Dhama clinched the gold medal in the men’s 5000 meters T11 event. The 29-year-old, who is also an Arjuna awardee, achieved the top position on the podium by completing the race in a time of 16:37.29 minutes. India’s participation in the Asian Para Games 2023 got off to a strong start, with the country securing a total of 12 medals today, comprising 5 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

Earlier today, India swept all the three medals in men’s club throw F51 event with Pranav Soorma winning the gold. The 29-year-old broke the Asian Para Games record with an effort of 30.01m, while Dharambir (28.76m) and Amit Kumar (26.93m) finished second and third, respectively.

Shooter Avani Lekhara too created history as she bagged gold medal in the women’s R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 category with a games record score of 249.6.

Nishad Kumar clinched India’s third gold medal of the day in the men’s high jump T47 class by clearing a height of 2.02m, while his compatriot Ram Pal secured the bronze with an effort of 1.94m.

In the men’s high jump T63 category, three Indian athletes secured the top three positions. However, under the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) regulations, only the gold and silver medals were awarded.

Shailesh Kumar claimed the gold with a record jump of 1.82m at the Asian Para Games 2023, while Mariyappan Thangavelu secured the silver with a jump of 1.80m. Govindbhai Ramsingbhai Padhiyar, who jumped 1.78m, did not qualify for a bronze medal according to APC rules.