Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: Odisha’s javelin sensation, Kishore Jena, secured the silver medal at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, with Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra clinching the gold in the same event.

This year, Odisha has seen an impressive representation at the Asian Games, with 13 athletes earning their spots, including Kishore Jena in Athletics, Anshika Bharati, Ritu Kaudi, and Sonali Swain in Rowing, Anupama Swain in Ju-Jitsu, Neha Devi Leichondam in Kayaking & Canoeing, Pyari Xaxa in Football, Deep Grace Ekka and Amit Rohidas in Hockey, and Dumuni Marndi, Tarulata Naik, Mama Naik, and Hupi Majhi in Rugby.

Hailing from the village of Kothasahi in the Brahmagiri area of Puri district, Jena's journey to becoming a javelin star is a remarkable one. Initially drawn to sports during his childhood, he had a stronger inclination toward volleyball than javelin throwing. When he sought admission to the sports hostel in Bhubaneswar for volleyball, he encountered a challenge due to the lack of a volleyball certificate. However, his resourcefulness came into play during a tournament in Cuttack when he used his javelin throw certificate to secure admission. This marked the beginning of his training in javelin throw back in 2015. Photo credit = SaiInd

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