A remarkable Paralympics games is going on for India where Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia became the first Indian to win two gold medals at Paralympics and also by breaking his own record to finish at the podium. The F46 event wasn’t featured in 2008 and 2012 Paralympic games edition leaving Devendra dishearten. However, even after 12 years of the game he is still the best at it.
The 36 year old world no. three competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh. The other two athletes couldn’t finish at the podium, however Devendra more than made up for them by taking the top position. The Rajasthan born athlete was electrocuted while climbing a tree when he was eight years old. But this didn’t deter him from pursuing his dream to make a mark on the track and field event. The gold medal of Devendra has taken the medal tally of India to four medals- two gold, one silver and a bronze.
Devendra is India’s first Paralympian to be honored with Padma Shri in 2012 after he was awarded with Arjuna Award in 2004. Devendra improved his personal best from previous 62.15 m to 63.97 m during the gold medal event. Like any other Para athlete the journey of Devendra hasn’t been easy as well. It was full of hardship and support from parents led him to the bring about international glory on the field. From a district-level champion he went on to become the gold medalist at Para-Asian Games to finish twice at gold medal position at Paralympics.