I dedicate this medal to my countrymen: Devendra Jhajharia on winning silver at Tokyo Paralympics

Rajasthan’s Devendra Jhajharia, arguably India’s greatest Paralympian (he had won gold in 2004 and 2016), has done India proud once again by winning a silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. On Monday, the star athlete broke his own record, which he had set at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. With his best throw of 64.35m in the men’s javelin throw (F46 final event), Jhajharia finished second.Talking to us from Tokyo, Devendra says, “I have won the third medal for my country at the Paralympics. My journey in the Paralympic Games, which started in 2004, has been a life-changing experience for me. Though I was expecting to win gold this time too, I am happy that I could break my own records, which I had created at the 2004 and 2016 Paralympics.”

The 40-year-old athlete had been training at the Sports Authority of India’s Gandhinagar centre in Gujarat. Before leaving for Tokyo, he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call. After winning silver at Tokyo, he again got an opportunity to speak to Modi. “I feel honoured that the Prime Minister called me to congratulate me and appreciated my efforts. I dedicate the medal as well as my fruitful journey to my country and countrymen,” he says.

Soon after winning the medal, Jhajharia also spoke to his family in Jaipur. The first one to congratulate him was his 10-year-old daughter Jiya. “My children are super happy, especially my daughter. The entire family is feeling elated and desperately waiting for my return. I could hear the drumming of beats in the background. They have immensely contributed to my victory. My wife Manju got emotional while talking to me over the phone,” he shares. Soon after coming back to Jaipur, he wants to go to Salasar Balaji to express his gratitude for the divine blessings. He says, “Along with my family and well-wishers’ blessings, it’s Lord Balaji who gave me the strength to be here today. I wish to go there as soon as I reach Jaipur.”

Although Jhajharia couldn’t win gold this time, his coach Sunil Tanwar, who is accompanying him in Tokyo, is happy with his performance. “He broke his own record which he had set at the Rio Paralympics. What else can one ask for? Though his score during the trial was 65.71m, I am elated that he gave his best and made our country proud,” says Tanwar.