Odisha Javelin star Kishore Jena eyes Asian Games to book Olympics berth

Star Odia javelin thrower Kishore Jena returned home to a rousing welcome on Tuesday after putting up a scintillating show in the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest. 

Though Jena missed the medal by a whisker, he won millions of hearts back home by registering a career-best performance. Jena finished in the fifth position. He also missed qualification for the Olympics. However, he is positive enough to earn the Olympic berth by performing well in the upcoming Asian Games.

Jena achieved a new personal best with a throw covering a distance of 84.77 metres, highlighting his exceptional performance on the global stage.

For the first time, three Indians finished in the top eight of an event in the World Championships this year. While Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a gold medal, DP Manu finished in the sixth position, throwing 84.14m.

Congratulatory messages poured in across the State for Kishore’s brilliant feat as he became the first person from Odisha to represent India at the Finals of the World Athletics Championship in Budapest.

Like several sports enthusiasts, the Odisha government too lauded Jena’s feat and announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for the State’s javelin star. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced the cash reward.

Reflecting on his performance, Jena said, “I had a target to better my previous best throw and I am so happy to achieve it. I will try to qualify for the Olympics by giving my best in the Asian Games.”

“We regularly talk to Neeraj Sir. He gives us so many tips to improve our performance. There was a lot of pressure in the qualifying round. But I am so happy to enter the final and put up my best,” he added.