In the past, Yogesh has been known to be over-optimistic. In the lead-up to an important event, whenever you asked him what his prospects were. Invariably, he would speak of gold, nothing less. But the gold never came. In the last two Paralympics, in Paris and Tokyo, as well as the world championships, he had to settle for silver, which wasn\u2019t in line with his words in the lead-up, if truth be told.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Tuesday, he won another silver, but this time, he had not promised anything. \u201cI have stopped saying I am going to win gold. Paris was a big disappointment. And I believe this change in approach is going to stand me in good stead eventually,\u201d Yogesh, proudly draped in the tricolour, said after his silver.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEvery athlete works hard; you have to be lucky too,\u201d he added. The 28-year-old was particularly happy to win on his home turf and in front of his family and supporters. \u201cBecause I have won here, it makes my medal very special. Very happy to have performed in front of my family. They have always been very supportive. As I said before, because I have stopped saying I am going to win gold, there was no pressure on me. I really enjoyed my outing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yogesh also revealed he could have done better if not for some strict belt-tightening. \u201cOfficials were a bit strict. The belt was tightened a bit too much, which hampers movement and always brings down the distance by at least 3-4 metres,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yogesh is now eyeing the Asian Para Games scheduled to be held in Japan next year. \u201cThat\u2019s my next target now. I am tired of playing up my chances now. Enough of saying things. Now\u2019s the time for action. Time for results. I believe in process now, and if that\u2019s taken care of, results will follow,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yogesh also revealed he could have done better if not for some strict belt-tightening. \u201cOfficials were a bit strict. The belt was tightened a bit too much, which hampers movement and always brings down the distance by at least 3-4 metres,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Finally, Yogesh spoke of how the para sports and para-athletes have come a long way in India. \u201cNot long ago, there was not much going on in the way of financial assistance and future prospects. All that has changed. Sponsors are easy to find to support the athlete. The future is really great. But more than that, para-athletes need empathy and not sympathy, and I am happy to say it\u2019s all changing,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n