The Rajasthan born Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia with amputated hand has a proud feeling of being the first Para-athlete to be honoured with the India’s highest sporting award—Khel Ratna. In an interview with Organiser Correspondent Nishant Kr Azad, the two-time Paralympic gold medalist talks about his achievement, journey of struggle, and future plans. Excerpts:
First of all, congratulations for being conferred with the Khel Ratna Award. Arjuna Award in 2004, Padma Shri in 2012 and now you have become the first para-athlete to get the country’s highest sporting honour. Your feelings?
Every award has its own importance but Khel Ratna Award is a special one and really big to me. I am feeling blessed to be the first Divyang (specially-abled) athlete in the country to have received this honour. I want to thank the Government of India as well as the Sports Ministry for recognising the achievements of para-athletes in the country. This will definitely boost the morale of para-athletes and 4 to 5 crore Divyangs of India.
Now, para-athletes will have the feeling that they are not different from normal athletes.
What motivated you to become an athlete?
I was eight-year-old when I suffered an electric shock. So severe was the accident that led my left hand amputated right away. When I came home from hospital, as a child, there was feeling of losing everything, how would I play now was the biggest worry. But my mother took me out and pushed me to play. Which mother would ask her Divyang child to take up sports in those times? She has always been my inspiration.
I saw a lot of people who didn’t have arms and I realised that I am lucky enough to have my right hand intact. My mother also encouraged me to take up sports after that accident. I pursued my study from Ratanpura Government School. There atmosphere was conducive for sports, that helped me a lot. I loved javelin throw from the beginning and winning the district championship, gave me a big boost. You can say, it was the turning point of my life.
How difficult is it to be para-athlete in Bharat?
It is certainly a challenge. I started playing when people were not even aware about para-sports or para-athletes. It was a big struggle throughout. Whenever I went for practice, people would look at me and ask, why I am there on the ground. They gave me the feeling of being weak.
I must say that Prime Minister Modi has supported us a lot. I still remember, just before the Rio Paralympics 2016, Modiji in his Mann Ki Baat had spoken so kindly about physically challenged people and gave a call to address them as Divyang instead of Viklang. That was the discussion point amongst us. And you can say it was a high morale booster resulting into winning four medals in the Rio Paralympics.
Do you think that the perception of para-athletes has changed after the rich performance in Rio Olympics last year?
I was the flag-bearer in the Rio. When I walked holding the tricolor, the only thing that was going on in my mind was getting the Gold for country. I had trained myself for the Rio and it was the blessing of 125 crore that not only me, all the players performed well.
The things have definitely changed after the Rio. Media covered it positively and the Government also recognised our achievements. I urge media to carry on their relentless support to the para-athletes.
The fact that this is the first time a Paralympian is getting a Khel Ratna will be mentioned everywhere and will be remembered forever. This itself is a big moment. This will only inspire other para-athletes to excel.
What about the present situation of para-athletics in India?
It has improved significantly but a lot of work is needed right from the grass roots level, starting with finding the new talent. Present Union Government is doing a good job by organising camps & tours time to time. Still, many more things are to be done.
The State governments should also take up the responsibility. Each State should build a separate stadium or practice venue for para-athletes keeping the special needs in mind. Infrastrcture has to be para-athlete friendly to facilitate the practice. More special academies and more grounds are also required. More importantly, we need to evolve a sporting culture for para-athletes.
Para-sports is a different event and for this you have to think differently. It is 10 times tougher for para-athletes to keep them fit than normal athletes. Look, special talents need special nurturing.
There have been discussions about Target Olympic Podium (TOP) and you also mentioned about it in a press statement while thanking PM Modi. Will you elaborate about the scheme?
Under the TOP scheme, Olympians get special fund. With the help of this scheme, an athlete can train himself or herself with a coach of his/her choice at any place, in India or overseas. with many other facilities. Earlier, para-athletes were not covered under this scheme. Now the Government has taken the positive step and really thankful for that.
I myself have benefited hugely from the scheme.
You lost your hand at very early age, how do you see your struggle?
I am from a humble farming background. My father was a farmer. Things were not easy for me with limited resources. When I reached college level, I started restricting my expenses and decided not to take money from family. Those days were very different but I was always sure that every night has a morning.
My parents supported and motivated me at every level. My wife Manju has also helped me a lot and gave up playing kabaddi for my sporting career. She was also a State level kabaddi player. I decided to quit in 2010 for our daughter but Manju insisted that I should continue. She did everything possibe to keep my sporting career alive. She told me, “you have so much of ability and skills and your sport is an Olympic one.” Without her support, I would”ve left the game at that time.
What are your future plans?
I want to play as much as I can for my country and win more medals for it. After retirement, I am willing to open an academy of international standard so that Divyang players should not need to go overseas for the training. I wish Union and State Governments will help me in this.
Any message for the upcoming para-athletes?
Just one thing—there is no shortcut to success. Kuch bhi karne ke liye junoon chahiye (One needs to have passion to achieve anything). Coach can only help you but it is only your hard work, focus and dedication that will help you to win medals. You need to immerse in your goal.
And for Divyang kids specially I want to suggest not to give up ever. You will have a roadblock at every point, but you have to fight it out. After that, no one can stop you from attaining the success.
