Lyon, France: Devendra Jhajharia on Sunday created history by becoming the first differently-abled Indian to win a gold at the IPC Athletics World Championships, in progress in Lyon, France. Jahjharia bagged the gold medal in javelin throw.
Jhajharia hurled the javelin to 57.04m, which was also his personal best performance in F-47 category. He received fierce competition from ace Iran thrower Mirshekari Abdolrasoul, who threw the javelin to 52.62 m for the silver.
Jhajharia also has the world record (62.15m) in his name which he made during the Athens Paralympics in 2004 in F-46 category. The one-armed athlete from Rajasthan climbed to the top of the podium with his record breaking feat in the 2004 Games. Till date, he is the only Indian gold medallist at the Paralympics.
10-member Para Athletics Contingent is participating in the IPC Athletics World Championships being held at Lyon, France from July 19-28. All 10 athletes have qualified in 'A' category.
IPC President Sir Phil Cravon and CEO Xavier Gonzalez congratulated Jhajharia on his achievement.
Paralympics Committee of India President Sultan Ahmed said Jhajharia will be felicitated when he returns home. The PCI also announced a cash award of Rs 5 lakh for Jhajaria.