Not being along with his cancer-stricken father final yr nonetheless haunts Devendra Jhajharia, who on Monday devoted his third Paralympic medal to the person with out whose encouragement, he wouldn’t have been in a position to compete within the ongoing Games.
Already India’s best Paralympian after successful gold medals on the 2004 and 2016 Games, the 40-year-old javelin thrower set a brand new private finest throw of 64.35m for silver within the F46 classification.
“Of course, this medal belongs to the people of the country, but I also want to dedicate it to my late father (Ram Singh Jhajharia), who wanted me to win another medal in Paralympics,” Jhajharia advised PTI from Tokyo on Monday. “
The F46 classification is for athletes with hand numbness, impaired muscle energy, or impaired passive vary of movement within the arms. Jhajharia made this deduction as a result of lack of his left hand after being electrocuted on the age of eight.
Jhajharia got here to learn about his father’s sickness when he was coaching on the Sports Authority of India Center in Gandhinagar final yr.
He ran house however his father despatched him again to proceed coaching as a result of he wished his son to win one other medal on the Paralympics. Jhajharia’s life inspiration handed away in October final yr.
“I’d not be right here if it had not been for my father’s efforts. It was he who impressed me to work more durable and win one other medal. I’m glad that in the present day I’ve fulfilled his dream.”
While he was coaching, his father’s demise shattered him and he was seen crying after successful a nationwide degree occasion.
On Monday, although he bettered his earlier world file (63.97m), gold-winning Sri Lankan Dinesh Priyan Herath Mudiyanselge (67.79m) was too good for the whole subject.
He stated he gave his finest however admitted it was a Sri Lankan day.
“In sports activities and competitors, this occurs. There is at all times up and down. I did my finest and higher my private finest. But it so occurred that it was their (Sri Lankan) day.”
Jhajharia has usually spoken of probably retiring from the sport after the continuing video games, however on that day, he solely wished to style victory.
Asked what the long run holds and whether or not he can be on the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, he stated, “My competition in Paralympics is just over and I can’t think of other things right now.”
“I’ll determine after I return house. I’ll discuss to my household and my coach and plan.
After successful the silver medal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him on the telephone.
When requested about that dialog, Jhajharia stated, “He congratulated me for bringing laurels to the nation. There is nothing extra gratifying than the PM of your nation encouraging you to excel.
“He interacted with all of us earlier than leaving for the Paralympics and continues to encourage us even now. It is sweet for the game of the nation.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
