Devendra Lost His Hand at Age of 8, Now Smashes Javelin World Record to Win Gold

Posted on 14 September 2016. Tags: Devendra, Gold, hand, Javelin, Lost, record, Smashes, World

Life was not easy for Devendra Jhajharia after he lost his left hand at the age of 8 but he did not let adversities stop him from pursuing his dreams and has now won gold at javelin throw F46 event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
 
He not only broke his own world record to clinch the top honours at the Rio Games but also became the first Indian to clinch two gold medals at the Paralympics.
 
Devendra, whose previous best was 62.15 metres (achieved in the 2004 Games), improved the mark with an attempt of 63.97 metres at the Olympic Stadium (Engenhao).
 
His feat holds importance because he was participating in the Paralympics after a gap of 12 years. The F46 event did not feature in the 2008 and the 2012 editions.
 
The Rajasthan-born para-athlete had won gold in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Games with a record throw of 62.15m.
 
36-year old Devendra was awarded the Arjuna award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2012, becoming the first Paralympian to receive the honour.
 
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