Rio Paralympics: India’s Devendra Jhajharia wins gold in F-46 Javelin throw
Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia became the first Indian to clinch two gold medals at the Paralympics after he broke his own world record to clinch the top honours at the Rio Games.
Devendra, who won his previous gold in the 2004 Athens Games, bettered his own world record to finish on top in the men’s F46 event.
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).
Gurjar didn’t compete
Jhajharia’s teammate, Sundar Singh Gurjar, who was also fancied to win a medal, didn’t compete as he couldn’t reach the venue on time. His coach Mahaveer Saini couldn’t be reached to comment on the matter, but a source said Sundar didn’t reach the warm-up area when his name was announced on the public address system, ahead of the event. He failed to report on the second and third call as well.
Rinku, third Indian in the fray, finished fifth overall.
India now have two gold, one silver and one bronze in the ongoing edition of the Games.
Thangavelu Mariyappan had earlier struck gold in the men’s high jump, while Varun Bhati had secured a bronze in the same event.
Later, Deepa Malik won a silver in the women’s shot put event to add to the tally.