Mohammad Yasir, a 31-year-old para-athlete from Malerkotla district in Punjab, has won a silver medal in the shot put event at the Asian Para Games being held in Japan. Yasir secured the medal with a throw of 15.06 metres.
 

Hailing from the Amar­garh tehsil, Yasir has now won his second medal at the Asian Para Games. He had earlier claimed a bronze medal in 2018.
 

Speaking to The Tribune after his latest achievement, Yasir expressed his determination to improve further, saying, “I still have more heights to reach.”
 

Childhood accident did not stop his sporting journey
 

Yasir, who has been honoured with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, lost his left arm in an accident when he was just five years old. His hand became trapped in a machine used for cutting fodder for livestock, changing the course of his childhood.
 

Recalling those difficult days, his father, Saudagar Khan, said Yasir had always been passionate about sports.
 

“The accident completely shook our lives. It was a very difficult period, but he never turned away from sports,” his father said.
 

Before taking up shot put, Yasir began playing volleyball and kabaddi.
 

Yasir said he never allowed the accident to become a source of weakness or self-doubt.
 

“I never had any doubts or feelings of inferiority. I was very young when the accident happened, and gradually I became accustomed to living with my condition,” he said.
 

Coach recognised his potential
 

Yasir’s talent was recognised by Malerkotla athletics coach Harminder Pal Singh Ghuman when he was competing at the college level. Seeing his potential, Ghuman began training him in shot put.
 

“I was confident that he would perform exceptionally well in shot put. It has now been more than 10 years, and I am extremely proud of his achievement,” the coach said.
 

Cost of specialised equipment a challenge
 

Yasir’s sporting success has also come amid financial challenges faced by his family in meeting the costs of training and equipment.
 

His father said the specialised shoes required for the sport cost around ₹12,000 a pair and wear out within a few months, adding considerably to the family’s expenses.
 

“We have spent a lot of money on buying shoes. I am immensely proud of my son, and I cannot express this happiness in words,” Saudagar Khan said.
 

Yasir’s silver medal at the Asian Para Games marks another significant achievement in his sporting career, while his determination to reach greater heights remains undiminished.