Devendra Jhajharia said that Neeraj Chopra’s Tokyo Olympics gold medal can be a turning point for javelin throw in India

Two-time Paralympic gold-medallist Devendra Jhajharia said that he is looking to build on the hype that has been made around the sport of lance throw by Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic gold in Tokyo. Jhajharia is pointing for a third Paralympic gold at the Tokyo Games, which begin on August 24.

His gold medal with a world record within the 2004 Athens Paralympics had nearly gone unnoticed but Jhajharia is happy with the hype before the Tokyo Games.

“When I won the gold with a world record in 2004, it almost went unnoticed as people did not know about javelin throw at that time. It was slightly better post-Rio games and I got Khel Ratna and fame for the second gold. “Now with Neeraj’s historic gold, everyone is talking about javelin throw suddenly,” Jhajharia said

“Now the time has come when the game has got recognition. I know that after Olympic gold, everyone would be looking at me to win third Paralympic gold. There is a lot of hype and expectations this time,” said the 40-year-old. “I don’t take the pressure of expectations as I have 19 years of experience now. But I won’t take the competition lightly as the Paralympics is the biggest stage and the world’s best para-athletes would be there. I will try my level best to win gold with a world record,” he said when asked about the expectations.

Jhajharia said that Neeraj’s gold decoration will be a turning point for the sport in India.

“The Olympics are altogether a different ball game. Johannes Vetter was throwing 90m continuously before the Olympic cut but could not perform in Tokyo. On the other hand, Neeraj is just 23 years old and sees his confidence level,” he said.

Neeraj’s gold award

Neeraj’s gold award can be a turning point for the redirection in India. India’s to begin with Olympic grant in track and field is gold.

“He oversaw to do his best in spite of so much weight of desires. Caps off to him,” he said. Jhajharia has said kids will be propelled to require up lance toss on the off chance that Indian competitors oversee to imitate Neeraj’s performance in Paralympics which is able to take put from Eminent 24 to September 5.

India will be sending its biggest unexpected ever with 54 para competitors to compete in nine donning disciplines. India’s past largest-ever unexpected for the Paralympics was at Rio 2016 – where 19 competitors spoken to the nation in five sports

It finished up being India’s best-ever execution at a Paralympics with adding up to four awards – two gold, silver, and bronze.

“I can only say that we will win more than expected medals. I think we can win around 15 to 17 medals this time. If I talk about myself, preparations have been good.

“I have lost 7 kgs and am feeling fitter. I am waiting for 30th August now to throw for gold,” he added.

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