Devendra beats his own world record to win Paralympic gold

The 36-year-old, who won his previous gold in the 2004 Athens Games, bettered his own world record to finish on top in the men’s F46 event. Devendra, whose previous best was 62.15 metres (achieved in the 2004 Games), improved the mark with an attempt of 63.97 metres at the Olympic Stadium (Engenhao). The Rajasthan born athlete had lost his left hand when he was electrocuted while climbing a tree as an eight-year-old. But he continued to follow his dream and went on to achieve the Arjuna award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2012, becoming the first Paralympian to receive the honour. 

Devendra, who won the gold at the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Lyon in 2013, last participated in the Paralympics 12 years ago as the F46 event did not feature in the 2008 and the 2012 editions. Currently ranked third in the world, Devendra swelled India’s medal tally at Rio to four medals — two golds, one silver and a bronze. 

Accolades started to pour in for Devendra as from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cricketers such as Virendra Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif congratulated the athlete for his stupendous feat at Rio.