Athletes dream of one medal, I have completed a hat-trick: Devendra Jhajharia

New Delhi, August 30

Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia created history after winning his third medal in the Paralympics Games on Monday— he had won gold medals in 2004 Athens (F44/46) and again in 2016 Rio (F46). In a telephonic interview to The Tribune, Jhajharia opened up about his father Ram Singh, who passed away due to cancer last October, and discussed his plans for the Paris 2024 Games. Excerpts:

You have been a constant when it comes to the Indian Paralympics team. First a gold in Athens 2004, a repeat at the 2016 Rio Games and now a silver medal in Tokyo. How you explain your longevity?

I just want to say that it was time well spent. All the three medals have come because of my dedication and hard work and my desire to make my country proud of my performances. People have a long cherished dream of winning at least one medal and I have completed a hat-trick today. I am very proud of this record as I know I have given my best every single time.

But your best wasn’t good to complete a hat-trick of gold medals. Your best throw of 64.35m, which was a personal best, was well short of Sri Lankan Dinesh Priyantha Herath’s record throw of 67.79m. Your comments?

Look at it this way. My best throw was better than the previous world mark. It was Dinesh’s day today. He has never beaten me in any of the previous competitions but today nobody could touch him as he was that good. I would happily take a silver medal.

Though gold was lost, we had two Indians on the podium during the medal ceremony as Sundar Singh Gurjar won a bronze medal. Must be a great feeling?

I was equally happy that Sundar won a medal as well. We were motivating each other before the throws so I am glad he was there with me on the podium. I felt sad for the third Indian in the fray Ajeet Singh. He couldn’t do well today but it is OK, he is a talented athlete, he will win us medals in the future.

Last year you lost your father to cancer. It must be trying times for you and the family. How did you cope?

The doctor gave him 10-15 days only. When I met him, he insisted that I go back and train and complete a hat-trick. He was gone within days of my return and I did not train for 10-12 days. But today I have made him proud. I am sure he watched me perform from wherever he is today. This medal is for him.

So after the much-desired hat-trick, what next for you? Will you be eyeing another encore in Paris 2024?

Right now all I want is to return home and spend time with my daughter Jiya. I have not seen her for ages. I must have been home twice or thrice in the last two years. Once I am back, I will talk to the family and then decide about Paris plans. — Vinayak Padmadeo

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