Devendra Jhajharia became the first ever Indian to grab two gold medals at the Paralympics, after breaking his own world record at men’s javelin throw F46 event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Devendra had previously gold in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with a record throw of 62.15 metres to win gold. This year, he beat his own record after throw of 63.97 metres at the Engenhao Olympic Stadium on Tuesday (Sep 13).
The 36-year-old, who is currently ranked third in the world competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar. Rinku came in 5th with a personal best of 54.39 metres in six attempts.
The Rajasthan born athlete, with an amputated left hand, was awarded the Arjuna award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2012, becoming the first Paralympian to receive the honour.
Devendra lost his left hand after an accidental electrocution that occurred during his childhood, while he was trying to climb a tree. He was only 8 when the unfortunate incident happened, but he was not going to let this deter him in anyway.
Devendra took India’s tally at the Rio Paralympics to four medals-two golds, one silver and a bronze.
Mariyappan Thangavelu had won gold in the Men’s High Jump T42 category on Friday with fellow Indian athlete Varun Bhati taking bronze at the same event.
Deepa Malik bagged a silver medal in the women’s shotput F53 event, with a personal best throw of 4.61 metres.
