World Para Athletics Championships:
Iran’s Salehi bags bronze in women’s shot put
Elham Salehi claimed a second bronze medal for Iran at the World Para Athletics Championships, finishing third in the women’s shot put F54 event on the fourth day of action in New Delhi, India.
Salehi’s best effort came with her first attempt, as she registered a 7.17m throw to secure her third bronze at major tournaments in 12 months – following last year’s javelin throw medals at the World Championships and the Paris Paralympics.
Reigning Paralympic champion Gloria Zarza of Mexico defended her world title, thanks to a 7.97m throw with her final attempt, with Brazilian Elizabeth Rodrigues Gomes – a silver medalist in Paris – settling for the runner-up spot on 7.78m.
Amanollah Papi got Iran off the mark in New Delhi on Sunday, winning a bronze in the men’s javelin throw event.
Representing the country in the F57 class, Papi saved his best for the last attempt, registering a season-high 51.55m effort to win a consolation bronze.
Turkey’s Muhammet Khalvandi and Yorkinbek Odilov of Uzbekistan grabbed the gold and silver medals, finishing on with 53.3m and 52.06m, respectively.
There was disappointment for Iranian Alireza Mokhtari – a Paralympic bronze medalist last year – in the men’s shot put F53 contest on Monday, after he was stripped of the silver medal due to a successful protest against his efforts.
More than 1,000 athletes from 104 countries will compete in the 12th edition of the World Championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium until Sunday.