Varun Singh Bhati's Journey From Beating Polio to Winning Rio 2016 Bronze

Para-athlete Varun Singh Bhati won the bronze medal in the men's T42 high jump event at the Rio Paralympics on Friday. With Mariyappan Thangavelu winning the gold medal in the same event, India finished the T42 high jump event with two men on the podium.

It was a historic moment for India at the Paralympics; and after a disappointing campaign at the Rio Olympics, will surely help lift the spirits of sports fans back home.

While Mariyappan Thangavelu secured the top honour with a jump of 1.89 metres, 21-year-old Varun Singh Bhati sealed his medal with an attempt of 1.86 metres.

The bronze medal at the Rio Games seems like a far cry from when Bhati was struck by polio at a very early age. The deformity didn't stop Bhati, who was born and brought up in Greater Noida, and he excelled as a young athlete during his school days.

While Bhati made quick progress as a teenage high jumper, he has come to the fore in the sport in the last two years. After consistent performances at major international competitions, Bhati clinched the gold with a prolific showing at the IPC Athletics Asia-Oceania Championship, where he set a new Asian record.

Going into the Rio Paralympics Games, Varun Singh Bhati was being touted as one of India's biggest medal hope, owing to the his recent performances. And Bhati didn't disappoint, as he clinched the bronze medal with another brilliant performance.

With age on his side, Bhati will hope to continue the upward curve in his career. After his success in Rio, Bhati's fortunes will be followed more closely by his countrymen in the coming years.