Sachin Khilari, a civil services aspirant turned Paralympic medallist, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the silver medal in the men’s shot put F46 final at the Paris Paralympics. His throw of 16.32 meters set an Asian record and marked a triumphant moment in his challenging journey.
Khilari, 34, hails from Kargani village in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, where his father, Sarjerao Rangnath Khilari, a Maharashtra Krishi Bhushan awardee, had high hopes for him. Sarjerao wanted Sachin to become a civil servant, a dream influenced by his own passion for farming and problem-solving.
As a child, Sachin faced adversity when he suffered a hand injury from a bicycle fall, which later developed into gangrene, restricting his hand’s movement. Despite teasing from peers, his father’s encouragement emphasized the importance of education over physical challenges.
Khilari excelled in academics and pursued mechanical engineering at Indira College of Engineering in Pune. During a fitness session, coach Arvind Chavan noticed his potential and began training him in discus and javelin throw. Khilari’s skills earned him a gold medal at the All India Inter-University State Championships in 2012.
His athletic career faced a setback when he took a break to prepare for the UPSC and Maharashtra State exams. During this period, he was inspired by Paralympic javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia and shifted his focus to para sports. In 2017, Khilari won gold in javelin throw at the Para Nationals in Jaipur.
Financial hardships due to Maharashtra’s drought years forced Khilari to work as a teacher while continuing his training. Despite juggling work and practice, he achieved significant progress, winning gold at the World Para Grand Prix in Tunisia.
A shoulder injury led Khilari to switch to shot put, where he made impressive strides under coach Chavan’s guidance. His efforts resulted in an Asian record throw of 16.21 meters, a gold medal at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, and a second para world title with a throw of 16.30 meters earlier this year.
Khilari’s silver medal win at the Paralympics is a culmination of his resilience and dedication. His family, including his younger brother Ajit, continues to honor the memory of their late mother by celebrating Sachin’s victories and seeking her blessings.
Ajit reflects on Sachin’s journey, noting that his achievements are a tribute to their father’s dreams and a testament to Sachin’s unwavering spirit.