"Enough of silver, now I want gold" - Yogesh Kathuniya enters Paris 2024 Paralympics with a clear goal in sight

Yogesh Kathuniya will embark on his Paris 2024 Paralympics campaign with his goal set in stone. The discus thrower, who will be competing in the men's discus throw event, is a silver medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

However, Kathuniya has made it clear, that this time he is going for gold. The star thrower who has clinched silver in most of recent competitions, stated that it's high time he changes the colour of his medal.

Yogesh Kathuniya spoke with Sportskeeda at the Indian Paralympics contingent's send-off ceremony in Delhi. After his second-place finish in Tokyo, the 27-year-old won the silver yet again at the 2023 World Championships.

"I have been winning the silver medal at all recent competitions including Tokyo. I feel, enough of silver medal finishes, now it's time for a gold. I want to change the colour of the medal in Paris," Yogesh said.

Kathuniya, who competes in the F56 event, believes the competition in Paris would be steep, but is hopeful of coming out triumphant. The Indian thrower was pipped by Brazil's Claudiney Batista in Tokyo and believes he will again pose a challenge.

"I think the final will be close. Batista will pose great competition as always. According to me the fight for a gold medal will go till 47-48m. I hold the current world record at 48.34m, so I believe I can repeat that to clinch the gold," Yogesh said.

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"I do not carry any fear within me" - Yogesh Kathuniya on how he deals with pressure

His silver medal finish at the previous Paralympics has surely raised expectations. Yogesh Kathuniya also holds the current world record in his category and is being backed to do well in Paris. However, the thrower does not feel much pressure, as he has complete faith in himself.

"I have so much faith in my abilities that I do not carry any fear within me. Yes, I know the country wants us to do well. But, I am not nervous. I am backing myself to win the gold medal in Paris," he said.

An Arjuna Awardee, Yogesh Kathuniya acknowledged the country's support for him. He also shed light on the improvements he has made to his skills, especially to his nutrition.

"The love and support has been amazing since Tokyo. I expect it to rise even more if I win a gold in Paris," Yogesh said. "I have worked a lot on my strength and most importantly on my nutrition. I now feel, my throws have improved as a result."