Devendra Jhajharia Smashes Javelin World Record To Win Paralympic Gold at Rio

Devendra Jhajharia broke his own world record in the men's javelin throw F46 event to clinch India's second gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Devendra bettered his own world record with a throw of 63.97 metres in the final to become the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals.

Devendra, who is currently ranked third in the world, took India's tally at the Rio Games to four medals -- two golds, one silver and a bronze.

The Rajasthan born para-athlete had won gold in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Games with a record throw of 62.15m.

World No.1 Guo Chunliang of China took home the silver with a best throw of 59.93m while Sri Lanka's Herath Mudiyanselage won bronze with a best effort of 58.23m.

Devendra competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar. Rinku finished fifth with a personal best of 54.39 metres in six attempts, while Sundar Singh Gurjar didn't start the event.

The 36-year old with an amputated left hand, was awarded the Arjuna award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2012, becoming the first Paralympian to receive the honour.

He was electrocuted while climbing a tree when he was eight years old and his left hand had to be amputated. But that didn't deter him from pursuing his dreams. The track and field star won gold at the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Lyon in 2013.

He last participated in the Paralympics 12 years ago. The F46 event did not feature in the 2008 and the 2012 editions.

(With IANS Inputs)