Andhra para-athlete Ravi Rongali claims shot put bronze in Japan

Ravi Rongali won bronze in the men’s shot put F40 final at the Para Asian Games in Japan with a 10.02-metre throw. The TOPS athlete from Andhra Pradesh overcame financial hardship and family sacrifices to build a successful para-athletics career

Hyderabad: Fighting against all odds, Ravi Rongali continues to silence critics with his spirited performances.

On Wednesday, Ravi, a member of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) from Chirikivanipalem in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, won a bronze medal in the men’s shot put F40 final at the Para Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a throw of 10.02 metres.

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In the 2022 edition, the 30-year-old settled for silver with a throw of 9.92 metres.

Ravi will also compete in the men’s javelin throw F40/F41 event on October 23.

Despite his short stature and humble beginnings in a farming family, Ravi, who stands 125 cm tall, has faced numerous challenges and harassment. However, his passion for sporting excellence has remained undiminished.

His journey began in para-badminton in 2014. Within a year, he had won medals at the national championships and has since maintained consistent performances.

Ravi’s career took an upward turn in 2018 when he won gold at the National Games. Encouraged by his elders, he then made a conscious decision to focus on athletics.

He soon made his mark, winning gold in the javelin throw and silver in the shot put at the third World Para Athletics Championships in Bengaluru in 2021.

Like many successful Indian athletes, Ravi and his family made significant sacrifices to support his sporting ambitions. In the absence of financial assistance, his family had to sell their half-acre farm to fund his participation in international events.

Things began to improve after the Sports Authority of India (SAI) took note of his talent. Ravi is now mentored by Rahul Balakrishna, with SAI Bengaluru serving as his training base.

Under TOPS, Ravi received financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh, along with Rs 16.52 lakh under the annual calendar for training and competition.

Ravi’s achievements include two gold medals at the 2023 World Abilitysport Games, two silver medals at international para-athletics competitions and a gold medal at the 2026 Indian Open.

Para Sports Association of Andhra Pradesh president G Koteswara Rao and secretary VS Ramaswami were among those who congratulated Ravi on his impressive performance.