The Indian contingent, which included several youngsters making their international debuts in Dubai, picked up four silver and two bronze medals, including Bhyan’s Asian record at the Dubai Club for determined people.
There were a total of seven world records and 45 regional records, making the event a great success.
In the medal standings, China returned to international competition after two years with a bang, finishing first with 102 medals including 42 gold medals, followed by Ukraine (11 gold medals) and Uzbekistan ( 9 gold medals). India finished in 28th place.
Asian Para Games gold medalist Bhyan threw the discus 6.35m in the fifth round to claim bronze in the women’s wheelchair discus event F53, which was won by Ukrainian Zoia Osi (13.19m).
The 37-year-old from Hisar then set a new Asian record in the F51 women’s club event despite finishing sixth with a throw of 17.20m. The event was won by the Ukrainian Ovsii who shone with a throw of 23.88 meters.
Thanks to her performance in the club throwing event, Bhyan has been selected for the World Para Athletics Championships to be held in Paris from July 8-17 later this year.
“I am happy that with this performance I was able to improve my world ranking and set a new Asian record. However, I was expecting an 18 plus throw. Anyway, I will work harder and do better than that in the next events – World Championship and Asian Para Games.
“The World Championships will be a huge competition with all the best athletes from around the world. With three months left until the championships, training will be in full swing to win a medal for the country,” Bhyan told the Indian Paralympic Committee.
Runners and pitchers shine too
Bhyan was joined by several youngsters on the podium, including young Mohan Harsha Uyyala who won the silver medals in the men’s 100m T47 final.
Delhi-based middle-distance runner Balwant Singh Rawat also clinched a silver medal in the men’s 1500m T11/12 final in 4:26.63 minutes and doubled that with second place in the of the men’s 5000m T11/12 final in 17:23.27min.
Pitchers Ravi Kumar and Parveen Kumar also added to India’s tally.
While Ravi threw the javelin 50.65m for silver in the men’s F46 javelin final, Parveen won bronze in the men’s F57 javelin event with an effort of 41.86m, before claiming his second bronze medal (40.84m) in the men’s F57 discus event.
