Devendra Jhajharia books Tokyo Paralympics spot with world record javelin throw

Devendra Jhajharia books Tokyo Paralympics spot with world record javelin throw

Devendra Jhajharia

Paralympian javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia has qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics. Devendra registered a world record throw of 65.71 meters to make it to the quadrennial event. He broke his own world record which previously stood at 63.97 meters. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee had won two gold medals for the country at the Athens and Rio Para-Olympic Games.

“I am sure I will get the third gold for my nation,” Devendra Jhajharia

Devendra Jhajharia
Devendra Jhajharia

Devendra Jhajharia shares that he has been focused on his mission to clinch a third gold for the nation. He lost his father last year and will be looking to win a medal to honor him. “I have been fully focused and concentrating on my training these past two years. In fact, all I have done during the lockdown is training at the Sports Authority of India‘s Gandhinagar facility. I do not get to see my family for months, but that is the sacrifice I am willing to make to get the third gold for my nation. I am sure I will get it,” Jhajaria told Asianet Newsable.

The 40-year-old para-athlete shares that it was difficult to leave his mother in such a tough situation. Born in Churu, Rajasthan, Jhajharia lost his hands when he came in contact with a high-voltage wire while climbing a tree in his village. However, undeterred by his handicap, Jhajharia kept going.

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“It was difficult for me to leave my mother in such a situation, but I gave priority to the country. It’s been seven months since then; I have not met anyone. I stay at the Gandhi Nagar Training Campus. At 9 PM every night, I speak to the family once. My six-year-old son does not understand this; he insists that I come home the next day. My daughter is intelligent, she does not insist.“

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