Rinku Hooda: From losing his arm at young age to winning gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships
Rinku Hooda won a gold medal in the men's javelin throw F46 event at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi on Monday, September 29. Let's take a look at his early career, how he transitioned to the sport after losing his arm at a young age.
New Delhi: Rinku Hooda clinched the gold medal in the men's javelin throw F46 at the World Para Athletics Championships in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, September 29. Rinku also set a new championship record with a 66.37m throw. In his opening-round throw, Rinku broke the 10-year-old championship record of Chinese C. Guo.
Rinku is from a small village in Rohatk, Haryana. He was born normally, but when he was just three years old, Rinku accidentally lost his left arm in a fan blade. His fellow Indian para athlete Amit Kumar Saroha introduced the sport of javelin to Rinku.
The Indian star joined the para-athletes in 2013 and began his journey at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Rohtak. He came into the limelight when Rinku featured in the Rio Paralympics in 2016.
Rinku's first attempt at a big level failed as he finished fifth in Rio de Janeiro. However, he registered his personal best at that time with a 54.38m javelin throw. He won a gold medal at the 22nd National Para Athletics Championships at Bambolim, Goa, in 2024.
The 26-year-old para athlete won his first medal in the 2022 Asia Para Games in China, where he won a silver medal with a throw of 67.08m. Rinku won a bronze medal in the last edition of the World Para Athletics Championships in 2024 in Japan.
Rinku was disappointed with his campaign in the Paris Paralympics 2024, as he finished in fifth position. But now, after winning a gold medal in the World Para Athletics Championships, he is now eyeing winning a medal in the Los Angeles Paralympics 2028.
Rinku Hooda won the Arjun Award in 2022 after winning a medal in the Asian Para Games in China. He also promotes sports at the grassroots level in different villages. The Javelin star also guides para athletes to contribute to the growth of the sporting culture in the country.