Understanding the Question: First IAS Officer to Win a Paralympics Medal

The question asks to identify the first Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who achieved the distinction of winning a medal at the Paralympics. The specific timeframe mentioned is September 2021, which points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics held in that year.

Being an IAS officer is a prestigious civil service position in India. For someone holding such a demanding administrative role to also compete and win a medal at an international sporting event like the Paralympics is a remarkable achievement.

Identifying the Record-Holding IAS Officer

Let's examine the options provided in the context of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and who among them holds the unique status of being an IAS officer.

• Nishad Kumar: Nishad Kumar is a high jumper who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in the T47 category. He is a celebrated para-athlete but is not known to be an IAS officer.
• Devendra Jhajharia: Devendra Jhajharia is a legendary javelin thrower, a multiple Paralympic gold medallist. He won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics. While a highly decorated athlete, he is not an IAS officer.
• Singhraj Adhana: Singhraj Adhana is a shooter who won two medals (bronze and silver) at the Tokyo Paralympics. He is a successful para-shooter but is not an IAS officer.
• Suhas Yathiraj: Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj is a professional para-badminton player. He won a silver medal in the men's singles SL4 event at the Tokyo Paralympics. Crucially, Suhas Yathiraj is an IAS officer, serving as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) in Uttar Pradesh at the time of his Paralympic victory.

Based on the analysis, Suhas Yathiraj is the individual among the options who fits the description of being an IAS officer and winning a medal at the Paralympics in September 2021.

Suhas Yathiraj's Historic Achievement

Suhas L. Yathiraj made history by becoming the first-ever IAS officer from India to win a medal at the Paralympics. He achieved this feat at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games held in September 2021, where he secured a silver medal in the Men's Singles Badminton SL4 category.

His achievement is particularly inspiring as he managed to balance his demanding administrative duties as an IAS officer with rigorous training and competition at the highest level of para-sports.

Therefore, Suhas Yathiraj is the correct answer as he is the only one among the given options who was an IAS officer and won a medal at the Paralympics in September 2021.

Revision Table: Key Facts

Additional Information: IAS Officers in Sports

Suhas Yathiraj's achievement highlights the diverse talents among civil servants in India. While it is rare, there have been instances of individuals balancing demanding government service careers with excellence in sports or other fields.

Suhas Yathiraj's success serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with dedication, it is possible to excel in both professional and sporting arenas. His silver medal in para-badminton brought pride to the nation and shone a light on the capabilities of para-athletes and dedicated civil servants alike.