Berlin [Germany], June 23 (ANI): The multisport festival held in Berlin showcased a captivating array of skills, each exemplifying the essence of their respective sports. From the swift 100m sprints to the patient and strategic game of golf, athletes demonstrated their prowess in their disciplines. Among the standout performances, Ranveer Saini and Rahul Agarwal exhibited exceptional patience and skill, securing the gold medal in the golf event at the prestigious Special Olympics World Games 2023. Accompanying them on the podium was Ankush Saha, who also claimed the gold medal in the Level 1 Golf event.
The golf event at the Arnold Palmer Course in Berlin spanned four days, where Ranveer and Rahul engaged in four rounds of alternate shot team play. Their impressive display led them to top the Leaderboard throughout all four days, ultimately clinching the gold medal with a remarkable 18-shot margin. Ranveer Saini, an esteemed athlete representing SO Bharat, has been instrumental in India’s success at the World Games. His journey began with a victory at the Los Angeles Games in 2015 when he was just 17 years old. Since then, he has continually excelled in the sport, proving that Special athletes possess a unique determination and talent.
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Ranveer Saini found solace and passion in golf, encouraged by his mother Bakthwar Saini, who herself played the sport, and inspired by his uncle Jeev Milkha Singh, a legendary Indian golfer. Over the years, Ranveer’s achievements have mounted, but his hunger for success remains insatiable, setting an inspiring example for all.
Ranveer’s gold medal triumph contributed to India’s ever-growing medal tally, which reached an impressive 76 (26 gold, 30 silver, 20 bronze) by the end of the day’s events in Berlin. Among the notable performances, Suhalia Parveen secured a silver medal in Judo, marking India’s first medal in the sport at the Games. In powerlifting, the medals poured in relentlessly, with a total of 20 medals awarded. V Harish and Siya Sarode stood out with four gold medals each. While V Harish triumphed in the squat, bench press, and combined events, Siya Sarode claimed gold in the squat event. Another sport that brought glory to India was roller skating, contributing 17 medals to the nation’s impressive count. Angelina Mary Poussin, although narrowly missing out on a medal in the 500m, demonstrated remarkable tenacity by winning silver in the 100m event.
On the tennis courts, an intriguing encounter unfolded as India’s Swaraaj Singh and Lovlesh Sharma faced off in the semi-finals of Level X. Swaraaj emerged victorious with a score of 6-3, 6-2, securing a spot in the final. Lovlesh will have an opportunity to redeem himself in the bronze medal match scheduled for June 23.
The Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin has been a testament to the extraordinary talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities, and India’s performance stands as a shining example of determination, skill, and sportsmanship. (ANI)