Hoping to build on Neeraj’s gold: Javelin thrower Jhajharia

Devendra Jhajharia

Two-time gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia, 40, is aiming to build on the unprecedented gains made by javelin throw at the upcoming Paralympic Games, following Neeraj Chopra's landmark gold at the preceding Olympics.

His gold medal with a world record in the 2004 Athens Paralympics had almost gone unnoticed but Jhajharia is happy with the hype before the Tokyo Games.

Jhajharia, first Indian Paralympian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics (Athens 2004 and Rio 2016 ), said that Neeraj has brought much awaited respect and recognition to the game.

"When I won the gold with a world record in 2004, it almost went unnoticed as people did not know about javelin throw at that time. It was slightly better post Rio games and I got Khel Ratna and fame for the second gold.

"Now with Neeraj's historic gold , everyone is talking about javelin throw suddenly," said Jhajharia, who competes in F46 events.

"Now the time has come when the game has got recognition. I know that after Olympic gold, everyone would be looking at me to win third paralympic gold. There is a lot of hype and expectations this time," he said.

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