Beit Sayah set a new Paralympic record in the men’s javelin throw F11 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024 with a throw of 47.64 meters. However, his celebration with a religious flag led to his disqualification from the games, altering the medal standings.
Indian para-athlete Navdeep Singh’s silver medal in the men’s javelin throw F41 category was upgraded to gold due to Sayah’s disqualification. This marks India’s first gold medal in the F41 men’s javelin category. Singh, a 23-year-old from Haryana, achieved a personal best of 47.32 meters, surpassing his previous fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Despite a foul on his first attempt, Singh progressed with a throw of 46.39 meters in his second attempt. His third throw of 47.32 meters set a new Paralympic record, only to be overtaken by Sayah’s 47.64 meters. However, Sayah’s disqualification due to improper conduct led to Singh’s elevation to gold, with Sun Pengxiang of China receiving silver.
The disqualification of Sayah drew criticism from Iranian social media users and cultural figures, who argued that his expression of religious enthusiasm should have been accepted. The International Paralympic Committee enforces rules against political gestures, which led to Sayah’s removal from the final results. Iraq’s Nukhailawi Wildan claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 40.46 meters.
