- Kishore Jena reveals that he wanted to leave javelin
- Jena will join Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin event
- Kishore Jena reveals how he returned into the fray
Kishore Jena, a promising javelin thrower from India, almost gave up his athletic dreams in 2023. A series of disappointing performances led him to doubt his future in the sport. However, with encouragement from his father, Jena pushed through. Now, he is set to compete in the Paris Olympics alongside Neeraj Chopra.
The Struggle in 2022
In 2022, Jena couldn’t break the 80m mark in his throws. His performance in the Lebanon National Championships was modest, with a throw of 78.96m. Despite his efforts, he continued to fall short, leading him to question if his hard work was worth it.
A Turning Point
Jena’s breakthrough came in March 2023 during the Indian Grand Prix in Thiruvananthapuram. He managed his first 80m-plus throw, achieving 81.05m. This marked the beginning of a significant turnaround in his career.
Father’s Encouragement
Amidst his struggles, Jena considered quitting. He decided to give one last attempt at the Sri Lanka competition in July 2023. His father encouraged him to participate, which proved to be a pivotal moment. Jena performed exceptionally well, achieving a throw of 84.38m, which qualified him for the World Championships.
Motivation from Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics was a source of both inspiration and frustration for Jena. While he celebrated Chopra’s success, he felt the pressure to achieve something significant in his own career. This motivation drove him to continue striving for better performances.
World Championships and Personal Bests
In August 2023, Jena qualified for the Budapest World Championships through the world ranking quota. Although he didn’t meet the automatic qualification mark of 85.20m, he achieved a personal best of 84.77m, finishing fifth in the final. Chopra won the gold with a throw of 88.17m.
Success at the Asian Games
Jena’s success continued at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. He set another personal best of 87.54m, winning a silver medal behind Chopra. This performance secured his spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Current Challenges and Goals
Despite his achievements, Jena is currently facing challenges with his form. Since the World Championships, he has crossed the 80m mark only once in six events. His best throw was 80.84m, earning him a bronze medal at the National Inter-State Championships in Panchkula in June.
Looking Ahead to Paris 2024
Jena is now focused on giving his best at the Paris Olympics. He aims to improve his personal best and make a significant mark in his maiden Olympic appearance. While he hasn’t set specific targets, his confidence and determination remain high.
Kishore Jena’s journey from the verge of quitting to competing in the Paris Olympics is a testament to perseverance and the power of support from loved ones. With his eyes set on Paris, Jena continues to strive for excellence in his sport.
(With inputs from agencies)
