Devendra Jhajharia: This humiliating incident in 2000 motivated him to become world-beater

New Delhi: Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia on Wednesday entered the history books of Indian sport after securing a second Paralympics gold.

In doing so, he shattered his own world record to earn top honors at the ongoing Rio Games.

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).

From infrastructure related to societal, paralympians in India face plenty of issues right through their careers.

These problems and experiences help shape them not just as athletes but also humans.

The story of Jhajharia is no different. According to a report in The Indian Express, the 35-year-old was deeply impacted by an incident that occurred 16 years ago.

In 2000, Dev along with coach Ripu Daman Singh was at Gwalior’s Laxmibai National University of Physical Education for an open inter-university meet.

Considering it was a  javelin throw competition for able-bodied athletes, two rival coaches were surprised by Dev's participation.

"Kyun R D Sir? Poore Rajasthan mein aapko do haathon wala athlete nahi mila? Kahan se langda-lula utha ke le aaye? (Could you not find an able-bodied athlete in all of Rajasthan that you picked a disabled boy?)” they asked Singh in Dev's presence.

R D was shocked at the words that had just been uttered and didn't have the courage to look to his ward's face. The duo didn't talk about it even once.

Four years later, Jhajharia brought home a Paralympics gold medal from Athens and the rest as they is history.