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Devendra Jhajharia books spot in Tokyo Paralympics with record javelin throw

Jhajharia broke his own record of 63.97 meters to win the Paralympics quota by throwing the javelin as far as 65.71 meters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Devendra Jhajharia books spot in Tokyo Paralympics with record javelin throw-VPN
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New Delhi, First Published Jun 30, 2021, 8:09 PM IST

Paralympian javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia has qualified for next month's Tokyo Paralympics. 

Jhajharia broke his own record of 63.97 meters to win the Olympic quota by throwing the javelin as far as 65.71 meters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee had won two gold medals for the country at the Athens and Rio Para-Olympic Games

After his record-breaking performance, Jhajharia said that this result would further boost his confidence. 

Devendra Jhajharia books spot in Tokyo Paralympics with record javelin throw-VPN
Distance sheet of Devendra Jhajharia showing his record Javelin throw

Speaking to Asianet Newsable exclusively, Jhajharia said: "I have been fully focused and concentrating on my training these past two years. In fact, all I have done during the lockdown is training at the Sports Authority of India's Gandhinagar facility. I do not get to see my family for months, but that is the sacrifice I am willing to make to get the third gold for my nation." I am sure I will get it."

In October last year, Jhajharia lost his father. he remembers his mother's advice after he performed rituals for his deceased father. She said, "Your job is to play for the country. You should go for training."

Jhajharia, who was the first para-athlete to receive India's highest sporting honour -- the Khel Ratna, said: "It was difficult for me to leave my mother in such a situation, but I gave priority to the country. It's been seven months since then; I have not met anyone. I stay at the Gandhi Nagar Training Campus. At 9 PM every night, I speak to the family once. My six-year-old son does not understand this; he insists that I come home the next day. My daughter is intelligent, she does not insist."

The 40-year-old para-athlete credits his coach Sunil Tanwar and fitness trainer Lakshya Batra for his record-breaking performance.

Born in Churu, Rajasthan, Jhajharia lost his hands when he came in contact with a high-voltage wire while climbing a tree in his village. However, undeterred by his handicap, Jhajharia kept going. His two gold medals came in the 2004 Athens Games and the 2016 Rio Paralympics -- he set new world records on both occasions. He also won a gold medal at the 2013 World Championships.

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