New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) | While everyone is busy cheering for India’s new golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, a double gold medalist in the same sport, these days while away from the limelight, he is refining his skills to bag a third gold. The special thing is that unlike Chopra, Devendra Jhajharia has only one hand.
His name is not known to many, but Devendra was the one who made India proud by winning its first gold in the F-46 javelin throw at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and then repeated his success with another gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. . His efforts including a world record throw of 62.15m were awarded the Padma Shri, making Devendra the first para-athlete to be honored with this national honour.
In a conversation with IANS, 40-year-old and extremely fit Devendra said that he is ready to represent India in the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics. The javelin thrower, who hails from Churu in Rajasthan, was working with the Railways and is now with the Sports Authority of India. Devendra said, a few days back, I was remembering 2004. My father was the only one who had come to see me off for the Athens Games. Neither the state nor the central government gave any money. My father is no more, but I still remember his words, ‘If you do well, the country and the government will come and support you’.
The para-athlete, who has been active in the sport for more than two decades, says his father was right, as he has come a long way since the introduction of other sports in the country. Jhajharia said, “Today, when I see governments inspiring athletes, I feel my father will be very happy wherever he is now. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is really good and Khelo India is benefitting young athletes as well. The game has come a long way, he said. Athletes are getting all basic facilities. Back in 2004, I didn’t even know what a physio or fitness trainer was. Today, Sai centers have all the facilities. In addition, the government is supporting athletes and para-athletes alike.
Having said that, Devendra said that the country still has to achieve the desired excellence in sports. He advocated the opening of sports universities. These universities can take India to those levels of excellence. “We need to do research,” he said. Sports universities are needed in India. We are not short of talent, but sports science is one area where a lot of work needs to be done. At the age of eight, Devendra accidentally touched a live electric cable. After this the left hand had to be amputated.
Devendra said, I have experience, so I am quite confident. I will keep myself calm and focused. Last year, I was tested COVID-positive. As a result, my training was hampered. But I overcame it and worked really hard. Weight was also an issue for me. My coach told me that if my weight goes up by even one kilo, then I should forget about the medal. So, I started lifting gas cylinders at home to control my weight. I reduced it by 7 kg and now my weight is 79.