India’s medal tally significantly grew at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 with Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar both bagging a medal in the F46. Devendra won the silver in the event while Sundar Singh stood just behind him with the bronze. This takes India’s medal tally to 7 with 1 gold, 4 silvers, and 2 bronze medals. India now stands in the 34th position with the most anticipated high jump event yet to happen. With these two medals, India continues to dominate the track and field circuit of the Paralympics.
Devendra Jhajharia wins Silver: –
Devendra Jhajharia, India’s senior-most Paralympian and a veteran in the Javelin Throw event secured a Silver medal in Tokyo. He had previously won the Gold in the exact same event at Rio in 2016 and in Athens in 2004. Devendra continued this reign in the 2020 Tokyo event. Along with Devendra another new name Sundar Singh Gurjar too bagged a bronze medal in the event. Sundar Singh was just short of Devendra’s performance and both of the two Indians were behind the Sri Lankan athlete. The Sri Lankan athlete, Dinesh Priyanthan went on to break the World Record in this particular event. Ajeet Singh, the other Indian athlete stood 8th overall in the same event.
Devendra Jhajharia finals: –
Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar were in good form prior to the Tokyo Games. A medal was definitely expected in this event but two medals are like a cherry on the top. The event began at 6:05 am IST. The final list featured several athletes from all over the world. Sri Lankan, Mexican, Japanese, and Cuban athletes were up against Sundar and Devendra. Each athlete was given 6 rounds of throws and the best of each one was going to be considered. Devendra performed exceptionally well in all of his first 3 attempts. He threw 60.28m, 60.62m and 64.35m. His next two were considered as foul and his last attempt was 61.23m. His third attempt helped him bag the silver.
Sundar on the other hand committed 3 fouls but his other 3 attempts secured a bronze for him. 62.26m ,60.20m, and 64.01 were all of his three attempts. With this exceptional performance by the athletes, it was just the second time that India produced two medalists simultaneously in the same event at the same games.
