Javelin could be a good medal churner for India in Tokyo Paralympics

Two-time gold medalist Devendra Jhajhariya and current world champion Sandeep Chaudhary were a part of 12-member contingent that left for Tokyo 2020 Para Games early this morning. 

This contingent included five javelin throwers all of whom are high medal winning prospects. Apart from javelin throwers, high jumpers Nishad Kumar and Ram Pal along with discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya were also part of the contingent.

Devendra is already the biggest star of the Indian contingent having won gold medal in 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Paralympics. He threw a world record throw of 65.71m, breaking his older record of 63.97 in a qualifying event couple of months back. His main competition comes from nowhere else than India.

India’s Ajit Singh and Sundar Gurjar are right behind Devendra in the event and have been pushing the champion thrower for couple of years. With a little bit of luck, India could grab all three medals in the men’s F-46 category and that itself would be a dream moment for the country. 

“Neeraj’s gold medal has put the sportlight on javelin throwers," said Devendra. 

“Sundar and I have been competing with each other but at the end of the day if our performance can make the country proud and win us some medals, we both shall be satisfied," said Sandeep Chaudhary.

After Neeraj Chopra’s historical performance at the Tokyo2020 Olympics, javelin throwers have been in the limelight. All eyes are also set on Sandeep Chaudhary and Sumit Antil in the men’s F64 category where they are no 1 and 2 ranked throwers in the world. If all goes well, India should have both these javelin throwers on the podium.

But two high jumpers Ram Pal and Nishad Kumar, currently ranked 1 & 3 respectively, could well create history at these Para Games in high jump. Track and Field events begin on 27th of August while the events of players of this contingent shall commence on 30th August.