Indian Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia wins silver medal at IPC Para-athletics meet

Devendra has been in scintillating form for the past few months

Indian Paralympic gold medalist Devendra Jhajharia continued his good form by securing a silver medal at the Javelin F46 World IPC Para-athletics event in Doha yesterday. The second place finish also guaranteed him a spot in next year’s Paralympic event.

The 35-year old won gold two years ago in the tournament’s 2013 edition, which was held in Lyon, France. Devendra notched up a best throw of 59.06, to finish behind China’s Guo Chunliang at the Sulam Bin Hamad Stadium. He also holds the IPC world record for this particular event, and will be disappointed not to secure top spot, this time around.

The Rajasthan-based athlete is expected to finish first at the 2016 Paralympics, after winning back to back international tournaments, earlier this year. In 2004, he became only the second Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal, after Murlikant Petkar struck gold by setting the world record in the 1972 edition.

Devendra was first spotted by renowned Athletics Coach and Dronacharya Awardee R D Singh. He first burst onto the scene, after winning gold at the 8th FESPIC Games, the win helped him secure a berth at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. He would go onto surprise the entire Javelin field, by setting the world record in his event.

That very year, he was bestowed with the Arjuna award, before being given the prestigious Padma Shri in 2012. In 2014, he was awarded the FICCI sportsperson of the year, by corporate conglomerates.

A total of 15 Indian athletes are participating at the World Championship.

More to follow..