Devendra was only eight when his left hand was to be amputed after he was electrocuted while trying to climb a tree at his home in Churu district in Rajasthan. Jhajharia happened to touch a 11,000-volt high-tension wire as he fell from the tree.
At 35, Devendra Jhajharia has done what others could hardly even dream of. Javelin thrower Devendra has become India's first para athlete to win his second Paralympic Games gold medal by breaking his own world record in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
Devendra's earlier triumph was 12 years ago at the Athens Paralympics in 2004. He bettered his own world record (63.97 metres) to finish on top in the men's F46 event. His previous best was 62.15 metres in Athens.
In India's overall history of Olympics, Devendra is only the second athlete to win two individual medals at the highest level after wrestler Sushil Kumar.
Tragic story
Devendra was only eight when his left hand was to be amputed after he was electrocuted while trying to climb a tree at his home in Churu district in Rajasthan. Jhajharia happened to touch a 11,000-volt high-tension wire as he fell from the tree.
There was hardly any hope for his survival as doctors amputed his badly damaged hand in their bid to save his life. Though, his life somehow was saved the incident left a deep scar in his mind and he dropped out of school.
It took some time before near and dear ones pursued the kid to start his life afresh. Devendra's journey from there has been full of inspiration. He always hated anyone who wanted to show any kind of mercy on him. Rather, it made his resolve even stronger to do something which is noticed by everyone in the country.
Accidental choice
It was only by chance that he took up javelin as his first choice sport. While returning from school, he used to join some of his village mates who play with a locally made wooden javelin. One of his school physical education teacher spotted talent in young Devendra and inspired him to take it up seriously.
It was only after he came in touch with Arjuna awardee RD Singh that his formal professional training started. And rest is history as Devendra moved steadily but surely towards his goal of proving his worth to the rest of world.
From a district-level champion, he steadily moved up the ladder to state and in 2002 he went on to win his first gold in the Para-Asian Games.
At 23, he won gold at the 2004 Athens Para Games. His performance has been quite consistent since then as he went on to win the silver at the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games.
The 35-year-old is now employed with the Sports Authority of India as a coach. After getting coveted Arjuna Award in 2005, Devendra got married to kabaddi player Manju in 2007. He was also awarded Padma Shri award in 2012 for his consistent achievements.
Legendary status
Devendra's second gold has given him a legendary status in India. On Tuesday, the current world No.3 set the new world record in his third attempt out of the total six attempted by everyone. And with this, he is surely going to achieve the top ranking in the world.
World No.1 China's Chunliang Guo had to settle with silver with a throw of 59.93 metres followed by Sri Lanka's Dinesh Herath Priyantha with 58.23.
Jhajharia started with an effort of 57.25 metres and improved it in the second attempt with a throw of 60.70m before hurling the javelin that went to the historic mark of 63.97m.
He competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar.
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