Did you know that India holds a world record in javelin throw? Surprisingly, it wasn’t set by the golden boy Neeraj Chopra, but by another gem of a javelin thrower. This is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be celebrated and recognized.
The world of sports is full of talented individuals who make their country proud with their outstanding performances. India, too, has its fair share of sporting heroes who have brought glory to the nation. One such hero is Devendra Jhajharia, who holds the world record in javelin throw in the F46 category.
For those who are not familiar with the F46 category, it is a classification for athletes with limb deficiencies, such as amputation or paralysis. Devendra, who hails from Rajasthan, lost his left hand when he was just 8 years old due to an electric shock. But that did not stop him from pursuing his passion for sports.
Devendra discovered his talent for javelin throw at a young age and with hard work and determination, he became one of the best javelin throwers in the world. He made his international debut at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, where he won a gold medal. From there, he went on to participate in several international competitions and won numerous medals for India.
However, it was at the 2004 Athens Paralympics where Devendra made history. He broke the world record in javelin throw with a distance of 62.15 meters, becoming the first Indian to hold a world record in the sport. This was a moment of pride for the entire nation and put India on the global map in javelin throw.
Devendra’s record stood for 12 years until it was broken by another Indian para-athlete, Sundar Singh Gurjar, at the 2016 Fazza International Athletics Competition. However, Devendra reclaimed his record at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where he won a gold medal with a throw of 63.97 meters and became the only Indian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.
Apart from his world record and Paralympic medals, Devendra has also won numerous other accolades, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. He has also been honored with the highest civilian award for sports in India, the Khel Ratna Award, twice in 2004 and 2017.
Despite all his achievements, Devendra remains a humble and down-to-earth person. He credits his success to the support and encouragement he received from his family, coaches, and the entire nation. He also uses his platform to inspire and motivate others, especially those with disabilities, to pursue their dreams and never give up.
Devendra’s journey is a true testament to the saying, “where there is a will, there is a way.” Despite facing several challenges and setbacks, he never let them dampen his spirit and continued to strive for excellence. His determination, hard work, and positive attitude have made him a role model for many aspiring athletes.
In a country where cricket dominates the sports scene, it is heartening to see athletes like Devendra Jhajharia breaking barriers and making a mark in other sports. His world record in javelin throw is not just a personal achievement but a proud moment for the entire nation.
As we celebrate the success of Neeraj Chopra, let us not forget the contribution of other athletes like Devendra Jhajharia, who have also made India proud on the world stage. Their achievements deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated, as they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of athletes.
In conclusion, it is evident that India has a rich pool of talented athletes, and Devendra Jhajharia is undoubtedly one of them. His world record in javelin throw is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Let us continue to support and celebrate our sporting heroes, who not only bring glory to the nation but also inspire us to dream big and achieve the impossible.
