Devendra Jhajharia’s wife gave up kabaddi career to support his Paralympic dream

While focus, determination and relentless a pursuit for excellence in training have been the hallmarks of Jhajharia’s journey, the champion’s wife, Manju, has been a constant source of strength.

Wednesday was a frenetic day at the Jhajharia residence in Churu, Rajasthan.

The champion’s wife, Manju, has been a constant source of strength in his journey. (HT Photo)

With Devendra Jhajharia winning his second Paralympics gold medal in Rio, the family was receiving congratulatory calls while the media were keen to get details on his journey over the years — the sacrifices he had to make to become the most succesful Indian Paralympian.

While focus, determination and relentless a pursuit for excellence in training have been the hallmarks of Jhajharia’s journey, the champion’s wife, Manju, has been a constant source of strength.

Manju, who used to be a kabbadi player, gave up a promising career in the sport to help Jhajharia fulfill his dreams. Having represented Jaipur’s Bhawani Niketan College in the state championship, Manju was pursuing a PhD in geography from Rajasthan University when the pair got married in 2007.

India's Devendra Jhajharia competes in the men's javelin throw F46 final of the Paralympic Games.

Two years later, when they had their daughter, Jiya, they realised that one of them would have to take a step back and raise the family.

Manju says her husband wants her daughter Jiya to follow in their footsteps and become a sportsperson, albeit a shooter or an archer.

“In sports like athletics, there is just too much physical struggle. So athletes cannot focus on their studies as well as perform well in their discipline. That’s why we want her to become a shooter or an archer,” she added.