Jhajharia wins silver in IPC World Athletics, seals Rio berth

India`s para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia ​sealed a Rio berth by winning a silver in men`s javelin throw F46 event.

Doha: India's top para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia won a silver in men's javelin throw F46 event to give the country its first medal in the IPC Athletics World Championships here on Tuesday.

35-year-old Jhajharia, who won a gold in the 2013 edition of the event in Lyon, came up with a best throw of 59.06m to finish second behind Guo Chunliang (61.89m) of China at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.

With today's effort, Jhajharia, an IPC world record holder in this event, booked a berth for 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

The Rajsthan athlete must be a bit disappointed not to have won the gold considering that he is a world record holder and also a gold medal winner in 2004 Athens Olympics.

Jhajharia's silver is India's first medal in the event which began on October 22. India is being represented by 15 athletes in the event.