Kishore Jena says India can win more than one javelin medal in Paris Olympics Cricket News

Rising men’s javelin star Kishore was inaugurated by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur at the launch ceremony of the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification Program at the Sector 7 Sports Center in Chandigarh on Tuesday. Kishore Kumar Jena takes center stage. The minister, while congratulating the 28-year-old player from Odisha, wished him good luck in the upcoming Paris Olympics. With just over 130 days left until the Summer Olympics, Jena is working hard to create an unforgettable event for the country with Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra.

Jena, who is currently training at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala, said India can win more than one javelin medal in Paris.

Jena has been in the headlines since going head-to-head with Neeraj Chopra at last year’s World Athletics Games in Budapest. Chopra and Kishore Kumar Jena achieved a one-on-one javelin throw for the first time in the history of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. After qualifying for the Paris Olympics, Jena believes medal prospects in the javelin are not limited to Chopra.

“As per the rules, three athletes from a country can compete in the javelin event. This increases the possibility of winning more medals in Paris. We are all training hard for the Summer Olympics and if we can be consistent and injury-free, India can do it too It’s better than Tokyo,” Jena said in an exclusive interview with SAI Media on the sidelines of KIRTI’s press conference.

“My season has started well compared to last year. I am sure 2024 will be a great season for me. Training is going well and I am getting support from all quarters, be it Sports Authority of India (SAI), TOPS (“Target Olympic Podium Scheme”) or Athletics Federation of India (AFI). I believe my performance will be better because I will give it my all and everything depends on God Almighty and what happens that day. ” said Jena. The Doha leg of the Diamond League season will return to outdoor competition for the first time in May 2024.

Jena, who hails from a farming family from Odisha’s Puri district, went on a tour to Australia’s Gold Coast last month in the company of long-time coach Samarjit Singh Malli. He does different types of weight training to improve his core and shoulder strength.

So, what is his goal in Doha? Will it throw the javelin 90 meters? Will Chopra’s presence put pressure on him?

“I haven’t thought about (90m) till now. My aim is to keep improving my results and overcome my weaknesses. I keep taking advice from Neeraj bhai. I don’t consider him as my rival. Whenever I meet When it came to some people “I took his advice because he was one of the nicest people I had ever met. He didn’t hesitate when it came to giving the right advice,” Jena said.

During the Asian Games in Hangzhou, Chopra received a minor scare when his first “good” shot was not considered by the officials. Jena then hit a personal best of 87.54m, forcing Chopra to go all out. The Olympic champion finally defended his gold medal with a stunning score of 88.88m. Jena ended up with a silver medal and, more importantly, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I was very happy that I had qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. I walked up to him (Chopra) and even told him that I had qualified. He boosted my confidence and said I can throw bigger ball. Like everyone, my goal is to win a medal, but it’s not entirely in my control and I’ll be aiming for a personal best in my first Olympics,” Jena said.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by NDTV staff and is derived from a press release)