NEW DELHI: From enduring taunts about his dwarfism to achieving glory at the Paris Paralympics, Navdeep Singh's journey is a tale of remarkable resilience. The 4 feet 4 inches tall para javelin sensation secured the gold medal in the F41 classification at the Paris Paralympic Games.
After finishing fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago and claiming bronze at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championship, Navdeep was determined to change his fate this time.
He stood proudly atop the podium, with tears in his eyes, as the Indian national anthem played and the tricolor was raised at the roaring Stade de France.
Initially awarded the silver, Navdeep's medal was upgraded to gold after Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag, violating the International Paralympic Committee’s rules, which prohibit political gestures.
Sayah’s unsporting conduct led to his disqualification, allowing Navdeep to take his place as the champion.
"I was so surprised when the red card was shown to the Iranian javelin thrower. He started crying. He was in tears and weeping. I also became so emotional that I went to him and hugged him. I consoled him. Until then, I didn’t know what exactly had happened and the reason behind this big decision," Navdeep told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview from Paris.
For Navdeep, the gold medal is redemption for the heartbreak of finishing fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics.
"When I was given the gold medal, I was so happy. Tokyo is in the past now, Paris is the present. I am really delighted that I could make my country proud. I’m really happy I could add one more gold medal to India's tally. People always remember gold," an elated Navdeep said.