Emerging javelin thrower from Odisha, Kishore Kumar Jena has brought laurels for Odisha by clinching the National Open Javelin Throw Championship title on October 24.
The 26-year-old won his maiden national-level title with his second attempt at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi while Harish Kumar (Rajasthan) and seasoned javelin thrower Vipin Kasana (Delhi) took silver and bronze medals in the event respectively.
Jena returned to his home at Bramhagiri in Puri on Saturday morning and was received with a rousing reception for this astounding feat. Later, he took blessings of Maa Bata Mangala and Lord Jagannath.
“After qualifiers, I knew that it would not be that difficult to win the title. I could have done better but rain and wind hampered my chance of bettering the record,” said Kishore.
He said that Tokyo Olympics Javelin Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra is his inspiration. "Neeraj not only motivated me to do better but has also inspired many young athletes of the country. I will try my best to improve in the future."
Kishore who now aims to touch the 80m mark joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in Bhopal in 2017 and has been continuously training there ever since.
Back in September, Kishore broke his own state record and emerged as the winner in Men’s javelin at the 68th Odisha State Senior Athletics Championship by throwing a distance of 76.41 metres. His previous record of 72.77m was set in 2017 in Cuttack.
He now aims to glorify the state and country at the Asian Championship and Commonwealth Games.
Speaking on his prospects, Kishore said that if he is provided better training facilities, he can improve his performance.
(By Somatirtha Purohit)