Devendra Jhajharia, a gold medalist in javelin throw at Rio Paralympics, cited the importance of discipline, hardwork and positive thinking to students in Kota.

Devendra was in Kota for the launch of a website and publicity material of a marathon which will be held on 19th February 2017. While interacting with the students at a coaching institute in Kota on Tuesday night, Devendra described  the importance of positive thinking in life.

Devendra, who is the only Indian sportsman to win 2 individual gold medals in 2 different paralympic events (1 gold medal each in Athens and Rio Paralympics held in 2004 and 2016 respectively), said that every individual can achieve any goal in life.

The 35-year-old lost his left hand after suffering an electric shock of 11000 volt at the age of 8 years. He credited his mother for motivating him to play with other kids, which helped him cope with the nightmare incident.

He also called upon students to never give up in life. “I was born and brought up in a village, but if I would have given up before challenges of life then how would I have bagged 2 Gold Medals in Paralympics,” he said.

“Wherever I go, I find students taught in Kota, so I want you all to be in IITs and medical colleges,” he said. He also asserted the need for development of sports culture in the country for winning more medals at Olympics and other international sports events.