New Delhi: Fresh from clinching a silver medal at the men’s javelin throw at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, Kishore Jena is eager to replicate his feat at the Paris Olympics next year. His message for fellow sportspersons: trust your coaches.
The athlete from Kothasahi village in Odisha’s Puri district, in an interaction with ThePrint over phone, Saturday, spoke on a range of subjects, including his first encounter with the sport, experience at the Asian Games, relationship with fellow javelin-thrower and competitor Neeraj Chopra, training regime and his parents’ reaction to his feat.
On Wednesday, Neeraj and Jena secured gold and silver respectively, in the men’s javelin throw at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, marking a historic 1-2 finish for India and qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Jena, who was once a volleyball player, achieved the remarkable feat with a personal best throw of 87.54 metres.
Talking about his journey, Jena said: “I come from Odisha, where my passion for sports was ignited, leading me to initially take up volleyball. Back then, javelin was relatively unknown.”
He added that he had his first encounter with javelin throw in 2014 and was thereafter guided by Neerav Madhav Dev, his inaugural coach. “In those days, we had few role models to look up to, and our inspiration came from the Germans. We even used German javelins which used to be a significant investment for us,” he told ThePrint.
Asked about how the Indian javelin throw scene changed over the years, in light of India’s Asiad wins, which also included gold won by Annu Rani in the women’s javelin throw category, Jena said “we are (now) one of the best javelin countries in the world”.
“Before 2021, we had heard about a young talent named Neeraj bhai, but after 2021 (when Chopra won gold at the Olympics in Tokyo), everything changed for javelin in India.
“I strongly believe that, based on my experience at the Asiad, we now truly excel in this sport, thanks to Annu Rani’s gold and Neeraj bhai and my 1-2 finish. I’m grateful to be competing at this high level at a time when we are one of the best javelin countries in the world,” he said.
Talking about his family, Jena said his parents know little about javelin throw, adding in a lighter vein that “they only knew ‘ye bahar khelne jaa raha hai’ (he is going abroad to play)” and that “they only said ‘medal leke aana’ (bring back a medal)”.
The 2023 Asian Games saw India breach the 100-medal mark. Jena said he was “really happy and proud” that India crossed the 100-medal mark and all “credit goes to the athletes and coaches who work really hard”.
“The (sports) federations never let us worry about anything and have always supported us. Through the new systems, not just javelin, but every sport in India is growing,” he said.
Asked what was his message for budding athletes, Jena said they must “trust their coaches”, adding that “coaches must give the right guidance”.
“Trust the process and results will show” he said.
On his plans and goals for the future, the athlete from Odisha said he was “uncertain about what lies ahead”, but has faith in the process and the effort he put in.
“When I participate in an event, my goal is to deliver my absolute best. Regarding Paris, we’re eager to replicate a 1-2 finish there too,” he told ThePrint.
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Chinese officials ‘tried to cheat’?
Jena also spoke at length about his experience at the Asian Games 2023, which drew controversy when officials failed to record Chopra’s first throw.
“I have played in World Championships before, but this time it was different,” said Jena.
“The Games Village was a special place where athletes of all ages lived together, and I got to meet a lot of players, which was amazing. Unlike the World Championships where I felt a lot of pressure, this time I felt less stressed because I had a clear goal — to qualify for Paris and do my best.”
On Chinese officials not measuring Chopra’s first throw — which long-jumper Anju Bobby George termed an attempt by them to “cheat” — Jena said: “Neeraj bhai‘s first throw was around 88 metres, but they couldn’t measure it because of technical issues. They asked him to try and take another chance, and there were ongoing discussions with officials.”
“When it was my turn, a similar thing happened. They had raised the red flag, but I didn’t foul. Neeraj bhai and I asked to review the video and after some discussion, they confirmed my throw, which was approximately 79 metres,” he explained, adding that “it was a relatively shorter throw, which is why I think they validated it”.
According to Jena, Annu Rani and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji were also wronged by the Chinese officials. “As players, we do our job and compete, (after that) it is for the Indian Olympic Association to further look into such issues, so I can’t comment on it,” he said.
On Neeraj Chopra, training regime
Jena also spoke about his relationship with Neeraj Chopra and talked about a photo of the latter lifting him up that is going viral.
“That picture was taken after my 87-metre throw. Neeraj bhai was thrilled for me and lifted me up. I took my next attempt, and I was really happy with my 86-metre throw. At that moment, I told Neeraj bhai that I’ve qualified for the Olympics and am now totally free. After that, I felt I had nothing to lose, and my throw improved even more,” he said.
On competition with Chopra, Jena added: “I see him as my idol. Having him alongside, even when we’re competing, makes things easier because we share the same language and we always support each other. He’s a wonderful person. What sets Neeraj Chopra apart is his respect for everyone and his down to earth nature.”
Asked to elaborate on how he managed to achieve his personal best at the Asian Games and his training regimen in the past year, he told ThePrint, “Since 2021, I’ve been coached by Malik ji (Samarjeet Singh Malik) in Patiala.
“Previously, I was under the guidance of Jagbir Singh ji in Bhopal but, upon joining the India camp (in Patiala) in 2021, I’ve been working with Malik ji. He has a background in javelin throw and this connection has been incredibly beneficial to me.”
Asked if he ever got a scolding from Malik and about his style of coaching, Jena said, “He only scolds me when I refuse to drink lassi.”
He further explained that the significant improvement in his performance could be attributed to changes made during his offseason training, which included a complete overhaul of technique.
“For instance, my runway, which used to be 14 metres, was extended to 28 metres both backward and forward. Additionally, being a part of the India camp has created a conducive environment for my growth, and the dietary support has also been excellent,” said Jena.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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