A RevSportz Exclusive

Devendra Jhajharia, one in every of India’s biggest athletes in Para sports activities who gained three Olympic medals in three completely different editions, has thrown his hat into the ring for the President’s submit within the upcoming Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) elections.
Jhajharia, a revered athlete who was additionally given the Khel Ratna award in 2016 after his golden effort in Rio de Janeiro, was a well known javelin thrower within the F46 class. His efforts in selling Para sports activities are well-known, as a competitor and serving to others. In recognition of his efforts, he additionally gained the Padma Shri after which the Padma Bhushan award in 2022.
The new problem will probably be completely different. “I decided to contest for the election as President of the PCI as all the state associations had reached out to me,” the modest Jhajharia advised RevSportz after submitting his nomination in New Delhi on Wednesday. The elections are on March 9. “It is my privilege individuals love me and assume I’m able to main Para sports activities now in a distinct function.

“Bhai sahib, aap logon ne media me hamesha samarthan diya hai. Aaj bhee aapka aashirwaad chahiye mujhe [You people have always supported me in the media. Today, as well, I need your blessings],” mentioned Jhajharia.

These are troubled time for Indian Para sport, although, not when it comes to efficiency. When the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports got here down arduous on the PCI this month for not holding the elections on time, in contravention of the National Sports Code, there was extra drama in retailer. The PCI was suspended by the Sports Ministry.
The world physique, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), mentioned it nonetheless recognised the suspended PCI. It is lucky that the PCI has been in a position to advance its elections, after parlays with the Sports Ministry. Otherwise, the elections had been slated for the third week of March.
“I filed my nomination on Wednesday and am hopeful people will vote for me,” mentioned Jhajharia. “There are 30 state units and each one has promised support to me. I feel honoured I can now serve the Para athletes and the cause of Para athletes in India.”

Not prepared to be dragged into politics and controversies, the ace athlete felt the main target should be on the athletes and the Paralympics. “Indian sport is in good health and the athletes are working so hard,” he mentioned. “We saw at the last Asian Games how India did so well, including a record haul from the Para athletes. I am very confident in Paris as well there will be more medals. The Paralympics in Paris will also see more medals coming in as there has been such a massive change in terms of support for us.”

For the report, India gained 107 medals on the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023. Then, there was a surge on the Para Asian Games as India gained 111 medals in the identical metropolis. “I cannot predict medals which will come but the kind of support the India sports system gets today is massive,” mentioned Jhajharia. “In the last 10 years, we have seen, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, how much Indian sports has grown. I have been around for well over two decades and this kind of support is so emotional for the Para athletes.”

His observations on the report haul in Hangzhou from the Para athletes is straightforward. “Facilities training ka itna achha mila aur khiladoyon ne mehnat kiya [They got excellent training facilities and the athletes worked hard],” he mentioned. Currently working within the Rajasthan state forest division, Jhajharia is completely satisfied that a lot assist is coming from the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
“In my view, India holding the Khelo India Games has been very beneficial,” he mentioned. “Plus, for all of us, to have seen the first Para Khelo India last year in New Delhi is so important.”

Asked about his imaginative and prescient, Jhajharia mentioned he needs to see Para sports activities develop additional. “There are plenty of athletes wanting to deliver in national meets and the international meets,” he burdened. “I will strive for increasing the competitions for the Para athletes not only at National level and State level, I strongly feel district-level competitions for Para athletes must also increase.
“Talent kam naheen hai, unko tap karna hai [There’s no shortage of talent, we just need to tap into it].”

As of Wednesday, when nominations had been filed in New Delhi, solely Jhajharia had filed for President’s submit. “It is a democratic election process and I have the blessings of all state units,” he mentioned. “I promise to do my best for the sport.”
Hopefully, as soon as the elections are over and an elected physique is in place, the main target will once more return to the game. For the report, India gained a whopping 19 medals within the Tokyo Paralympics three years again. Jhajharia sealed a silver in Tokyo, having gained his first Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004.

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