Devendra Jhajharia was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022, becoming the first Indian para-athlete to receive this honour.
Devendra Jhajharia’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of eight. Born in Churu, Rajasthan, Jhajharia was an active child until a climbing accident changed his life. While climbing a tree, he accidentally touched a high-voltage live cable, which led to severe injuries and the amputation of his left arm. The incident marked the beginning of a new chapter in Jhajharia’s life, as he faced the challenges of adjusting to life with a disability.
Despite the significant setback, Jhajharia channeled his focus into athletics, specifically javelin throw. Initially, he took up the sport at school, where he began to excel. His talent was soon recognized by coach Ripudaman Singh during a para-athletics competition in 1997. Jhajharia’s dedication to the sport became evident as he consistently outperformed his peers, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the javelin throw community.
Jhajharia’s training regimen is tailored to address the unique challenges posed by his disability. Dr. Satpal Singh, a Dronacharya awardee, designed a specialized weight training program to ensure balanced strength development. This program involves using dumbbells tied to Jhajharia’s amputated arm while he trains his functional right arm. This method prevents disproportionate strength development and helps maintain overall functional balance, crucial for Jhajharia’s performance in competitions.
Jhajharia’s journey in international athletics saw a significant milestone at the Athens 2004 Paralympics, where he won a gold medal with a world-record throw of 62.15 meters in the F46 javelin category. However, he faced a long wait before the next opportunity to compete at the Paralympics due to his event category being omitted from the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympics.
His return to the Paralympic stage came at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where he not only reclaimed his gold medal but also set a new world record with a throw of 63.97 meters. This achievement made him the first Indian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics, securing his place among India’s most decorated para-athletes.
Jhajharia continued to build on his legacy with a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Jhajharia has taken on significant roles in the administration of para-sports. In March 2024, he was elected as the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), succeeding Deepa Malik. Jhajharia’s leadership marks a new era for the PCI, as he brings his extensive experience as a para-athlete to his administrative role.
In addition to his athletic and administrative roles, Jhajharia is also involved in politics. He is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket from Churu, Rajasthan, further expanding his influence beyond sports.
Jhajharia’s contributions to para-athletics have been widely recognized. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022, becoming the first Indian para-athlete to receive this honour. His other accolades include the Khel Ratna in 2017, the Arjuna Award in 2004, and the Padma Shri in 2012. His impressive record includes gold medals at the World Championships in 2013, silver medals in the 2015 World Championships and the 2014 Asian Para Games.
Devendra Jhajharia’s journey from a life-altering accident to becoming a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and an influential leader in para-sports highlights his exceptional achievements and contributions to the field.
