Rising men’s javelin throw star Kishore Kumar Jena captured attention at the launch of the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification programme in Chandigarh, where Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, felicitated him and wished him luck for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
With the Summer Olympic Games approaching in just over 130 days, Jena, alongside Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, is diligently preparing to make India proud in Paris. Training at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala, Jena believes India can secure multiple medals in javelin.
Having made headlines after his impressive performance against Neeraj Chopra at the world athletics meet in Budapest last year, Jena, along with Chopra, secured a historic javelin one-two at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games. Confident in India’s prospects, Jena emphasizes the potential for multiple medals in javelin, given that three athletes can compete from one country.
Expressing gratitude for support from entities like the Sports Authority of India (SAI), TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), and Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Jena is optimistic about his performance in the upcoming season. He aims to return to outdoor competition at the Doha leg of the Diamond League in May.
During an exposure trip to Gold Coast, Australia, Jena focused on strengthening his core and shoulder muscles through varied weight training, guided by his coach Samarjeet Singh Malhi. Despite Chopra’s formidable presence, Jena views him as a mentor and seeks his advice to overcome challenges.
Reflecting on their showdown at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where Jena secured silver and met the Paris 2024 qualifying mark, he remains focused on personal improvement. Despite aspirations for Olympic glory, Jena remains grounded, acknowledging that medal success is beyond his control, but he is determined to achieve his personal best at his maiden Olympics.
Jena’s journey from a farming family in Odisha’s Puri district to becoming a javelin sensation exemplifies dedication and perseverance. With Paris 2024 on the horizon, Jena’s determination to excel alongside Neeraj Chopra symbolizes India’s growing prowess in athletics.
The Khelo India Scheme, a brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It aims to promote a sports culture and achieve excellence in sports across India.