Second Gold For India @ Paralympics

Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia scripted history by winning his second gold medal at Paralympics. In fact, he is the first Indian to win two gold medals at Paralympics. Previously, he bagged gold in Athens Paralympics in 2004. Jhajharia’s achievement is India’s second gold medal and fourth medal overall in the Rio Paralympics.

Devendra’s previous best was 62.15 metres (achieved in the 2004 Games). He improved the mark with an attempt of 63.97 metres at the Olympic Stadium (Engenhao). Jhajharia competed in the event along with fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar. While Hooda managed a fifth-place finish, Sundar Singh Gurjar didn’t start the event.

Devendra Jhajharia was born to a middle-class family in a remote village in Churu district, Rajasthan. He lost his left arm when he was nine after accidentally touching an electric wire while climbing a tree. With support from his parents, he was able to recover from the exclusion of his left arm.

The 35-year-old who is now employed by the Sports Authority of India as coach started competing in para-athletics while in school in 1995. Two years later, Jhajharia’s talent was spotted by coach Ripudaman Singh and encouraged him to take up the sport seriously.

Jhajharia’s medal was hailed by one and all in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the athlete through a tweet. “Congratulations to Devendra Jhajharia for the historic and well-deserved Gold at the #Paralympics. We are very proud of him. #Rio2016,” posted Modi.