While Neeraj Chopra’s name will go down in history, he isn’t the only Olympic gold medalist in the javelin throw. Devendra Jhajharia, a Paralympian, earned a gold medal in Rio 2016 after throwing a javelin at a then-world-record distance of 63.97 meters. In his event F46 javelin throw, he smashed his own world record, which he set his route to a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Some people are designed to reach the pinnacles of accomplishment, while others are supposed to repeat that feat for the rest of the world to admire. When Devendra set out on the path to success in his domain, however, circumstances were far from ideal.
About the Javelin Thrower
Devendra is India’s finest para-athlete, with a wealth of field event expertise. The 40-year-old was born in the Churu area of Rajasthan, and his accomplishments may now be openly recognized across the country. But his perseverance and physical prowess are testaments to his willpower and physical prowess, which was made all the more difficult by his financial difficulties.
During a school sports day event in 1997, Devendra was noticed by Dronacharya Awardee coach RD Singh. Devendra’s coach encouraged him to pursue sports full-time and assisted him in his early athletic endeavors. Coach Dr. Satyapal Singh introduced him to the sport of javelin throw when he went to college in 2000.
Devendra”s Achievements
Apart from his two Paralympic gold medals (Athens 2004, Rio 2016), he has also won gold at the 2002 FESPIC Games in South Korea and the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, as well as silver at the same event in 2015 and one at the 2014 Asian Games. In reality, his gold medal at the 2013 World Championships was India’s first-ever.
In January 2018, he was honored with the Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor, being the first Indian para-athlete to do so. During the trials in New Delhi, Indian javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia broke his own world record and booked his ticket to the Tokyo Paralympics 2020.
Devendra Jhajharia will be dreaming of further sporting triumph as he competes in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, which will begin on August 24.
