Devendra Jhajharia is an Indian Paralympic Javelin Thrower. He recently won the gold medal at the Rio Paralympics 2016 in the men’s javelin throw F46 event. Thus, he become the first and only Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals. With a throw of 63.97 meters, he broke his own previous world record in the men’s javelin throw.
He has made our motherland India proud at such a prestigious international games event.
Here we have gathered 11 less known facts about him. Have a look:
Devendra Jhajharia was born on 29th August 1980.
He hails from Churu district in Rajasthan and has completed his education in his home state.
His left arm had to be amputated when he was electrocuted by a live wire of 11,000 volts,when he was eight years old.
Owing to financial constraint, Devendra practised with a home-made javelin in the beginning.
Devendra became a district champion by outshining regular athletes at the age of 14.
Dronacharya Awardee coach R.D. Singh is training him since his schooldays.
He won his first international Gold medal in the 8th ‘Far East & South Pacific Games’ (FESPIC) , in Korea in the year 2002.
Devendra Jhajharia set a new world record and subsequently won the Gold medal in the ‘Summer Paralaympic Games’ in Athens in the year 2004.
Devendra Jhajharia was given the Arjuna award in 2004.
Devendra has been awarded with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in the year 2012.
In the year 2013, he won the Gold Medal at ‘IPC Athletics World Championship’ in Lyon, France.
Certain people do not let their physical diasability hinder their passion and journey towards success. Devendra Jhajharia is one fine example. His determination, persistence and hard work is something that should be emulated and appreciated by all.
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