Devendra Jhajharia

Jhajharia, 42, is a celebrated figure in the world of Para sports. He has won the Paralympic Gold medal twice, first in 2004 and then in 2016. He made headlines in 2004 when he became the first Indian athlete to win a Paralympic Gold medal at Athens. Twelve years later, he clinched his second Paralympics Gold medal at Rio de Janeiro with a world record throw of 63.97 in the F44 category. At the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, he secured a Silver medal in the Javelin Throw F46 category.

In addition to his Paralympic success, Jhajharia has also won a Gold (2013) and Silver (2015) in the F46 category at the World Para Athletics Championships. He won the Silver medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

Jhajharia’s achievements have been recognized by the Government of India. He was honored with the Arjuna Award following his Gold medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. He was the first Para athlete to receive the Padma Shri (2012) and Padma Bhushan (2022). In 2017, he was bestowed with the Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award (formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award).

Jhajharia’s nomination by the BJP for the Churu Lok Sabha seat is a significant development. It reflects the party’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the achievements of Para athletes. His candidacy is expected to inspire many and bring attention to the potential of differently-abled individuals in all spheres of life, including politics.