Rinku Hooda was among the favourites for gold in the men’s javelin throw F64 final on Day Three of the World Para Athletics Championships [WPAC] here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. But standing in his way was compatriot and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar, closely followed by Ajeet Singh as the third Indian in the final.

First gold medal

In a stiff competition that had all 11 throwers registering either a personal best or season best, Hooda summoned that extra ounce of energy to throw the spear 66.37m on his fourth attempt. It turned out to be a new Championship record and enough for the 26-year-old from Rohtak to clinch his first gold at the world level and be crowned world champion.