Devendra Jhajharia created history in Rio Paralympics 2016

Devendra Jhajharia, the Javelin thrower created history in Rio Paralympics 2016 by winning another gold medal in Paralympics games. This is a proud moment for India as he is the first Indian to win 2 gold medals in Rio 2016.

Devendra, surpassed his own world record to finish on top in the men’s F46 event. The last he achieved was 62.15 meters in the 2004 Games, improved the mark with an attempt of 63.97 meters at the Olympic Stadium (Engenhao). He won his previous gold in the 2004 Athens Games,
Earlier, Thangavelu Mariyappan struck gold in the men’s high jump, while Varun Bhati had secured a bronze in the same event.

Devendra Jhajharia is currently ranked World No.3. He became the first paralympian to win the Padma Shri in 2012 and had received the Arjuna Award in 2004 after his Athens feat.

Devendra competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar. Rinku finished fifth with a personal best of 54.39 metres in six attempts, while Sundar Singh Gurjar didn’t start the event.

When Devendra was eight years, he fell off while climbing a tree damaging his left hand. But that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams. The field star won gold at the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Lyon in 2013.

He last participated in the Paralympics 12 years ago. The F46 event did not feature in the 2008 and the 2012 editions.

With this splendid victory of Devendra Jhajharia in Rio Paralympics 2016 , India now have two gold, one silver and one bronze in the ongoing edition of the Games.