Devendra Jhajharia: India Paralympics medallist breaks own record
- Published
Jhajharia bettered his own record with a throw of 63.97m in the final on Tuesday
India's Devendra Jhajharia has become the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals, breaking his own world record in the men's javelin throw.
Jhajharia, also a gold medallist in 2004, achieved a throw of 63.97m.
The win gave India its second gold medal of the Rio games, taking its overall tally to four - two golds, one silver and a bronze.
High jumpers Mariyappan Thangavelu and Varun Bhati won gold and bronze, while shot-putter Deepa Malik won a silver.
According to The Indian Express, external newspaper, Jhajharia lost his left hand after accidentally touching an electrical wire while trying to climb a tree when he was eight years old.
He began competing in para-athletics while still in school, and made his international debut in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan.
Jhajharia lives in Rajasthan with his wife and two children, and works for the Indian Railways.
Jhajharia lost his left hand after accidentally touching an electrical wire
Jhajharia is ranked third in the world
Many Indians woke up to the news and praised Jhajharia's feat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead:
