By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odia athlete Kishore Jena who has recently scripted history by clinching a silver medal in the Men’s Javelin throw at the 19th Asian Games visited the Sports Emporium Showroom at Bapujinagar on Tuesday.
Jena was accompanied by his father Keshav Jena and Bramhagiri MLA Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mahapatra. Jena has qualified has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He was welcomed to the Showroom by the Team Sports Emporium and he went around and interacted with sportsmen and public. The Asiad medal winner went around the showroom ansd appreciated the vast array of equipment and sports accessories.
Born in a farmer’s family in Kothasahi village near Puri, Kishore played football and volleyball during his college days. Initially a volleyball player, he switched to javelin throwing because of his short height.
According to him, his journey to qualifying for the Olympics was an uphill task, and attributes his family support for his success. Kishore recollects that his father had taken a loan of Rs 28,000 to purchase a javelin for him.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore for Kishore and lauded him for bringing laurels for Odisha the nation.
“The award is in recognition of his stellar performance, his perseverance and determination. Kishore’s triumph not only reflects personal excellence but also serves as an inspiration for budding athletes across the country,” Patnaik had said.
