Devendra Jhajharia became the first para-athlete to receive India's highest sporting honour – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – along with hockey star Sardar Singh, who has endured trying times off the field in the last one year. Javelin thrower Jhajharia is the only Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals – 2004 Athens Games and 2016 Rio Paralympics – while star mid-fielder Sardar has been the architect of India hockey team's many victories in the last few years.
The Quint caught up with a few of the athletes ahead of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Awards and Arjuna Awards ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The Paralympic gold medallist (javelin throw) Devendra Jhajharia said that it is an historic moment because he is the first para athlete to be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur said she never thought she will receive the Arjuna Award. Tennis player Saketh Myneni said that the Arjuna Award is a big boost for his career.
Former India football player Oinam Devi was relieved that her hard work was not wasted.
Devendra Jhajharia, who has been recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, said that he should have received the award 12 years back. The javelin thrower won both of his gold medals at the Paralympic Games with a world record throw. First, he clinched a gold at Athens in 2004 and then broke the world record again at Rio. Jhajharia believes that he should have received the Khel Ratna after he won the gold medal at Athens. However, the 36-year-old said that the government has shown great support to the para athletes in the recent past.
