Fresh off his historic gold medal in the 100m T47 event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Indian para sprinter Dilip Gavit has set his sights on an even bigger challenge — breaking world records at the upcoming Para Asian Games in Japan.
The 23‑year‑old athlete, who stunned the field with a Games‑record sprint, revealed his ambition to clock 10.28 seconds in the 100m, a time close to India’s able‑bodied national record. Gavit, who also won gold in the 400m T47 at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, said his training focus would return to the 400m to build endurance that sharpens his 100m performance.
Competing in the T47 category for athletes with upper limb impairments, Gavit acknowledged the tougher competition at the Para Asian Games but expressed confidence in his preparation under coach Vaijanath Kale, to whom he dedicated his CWG triumph. “The day I won gold was Guru Purnima. I had decided that if I won, I would dedicate it to my guru,” he said.
Gavit credited Kale’s mentorship since 2016, recalling how his coach provided not only technical guidance but also personal support. “Kale sir kept me at his home, treated me like family, and gave me all the training I needed,” he added.
With little time to rest, Gavit insists his focus is firmly on training. “There are more competitions ahead, and I need to be ready. Training for the 400m automatically helps with the 100m as well,” he said.
If his ambitions materialise in Japan, Gavit could add world records to an already rapidly growing list of achievements, further cementing his place as one of India’s most inspiring para athletes.
