Kishore Jena: A story of Sorrow, Borrow & Struggle – News18

Odia athlete Kishore Jena scripted history by clinching a silver medal in the Men’s Javelin throw at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Jena, a resident of Kothasahi in Puri district bagged the medal with a personal best throw of 87.54m.

Javelin silver medalist Jena has qualified for Paris 2023 Olympics but there is an interesting story behind the success of Kishore. His father Keshav Jena, took a loan of 28 thousand rupees to purchase a javelin for his son. Kishore played without a coach and him reaching such a big stage from a poor family is only God’s blessing said Kishore’s family.

“I just want my family to be debt-free,” said Kishore after winning silver. Jena, was initially a volleyball player but he had to leave it because of his short height of 5 feet 8 inches.

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Kishore was born in a farmer’s family in Kothasahi village in the Brahmagiri area of Puri district. After completion of his graduation from Brahmagiri College, he played football and volleyball to make his career and get a job. He was initially a volleyball player but he had to leave it because of his short height. Then he played javelin without a coach.

The State Athletics Championship was held at the Puri Indoor Stadium 6 years ago. He performed well and got an identification. But he was unable to purchase a javelin for practice. He asked his father for Rs 28,000 to buy the Javelin. To fulfil his son’s wish, the father collected money from various women’s associations and bought a javelin with Rs. 28000.

Jena never gave off his Javelin. He brought his Javelin to the village when he returned from Bhubaneswar to practice at Brahmagiri College playground and returned to the hostel on Monday morning. He has qualified for the Olympics because of his hard work, enthusiasm and courage since childhood. After joining the CISF, Kishore also paid off the loan amount which was brought to purchase his Javelin.

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Kishore’s father Keshav said “I tried to fulfil his all needs as a father. I borrowed 28 thousand rupees to buy Javelin. He is very hard-working. He has achieved success for his untired efforts. I am very happy with his success.”

“It is out of expression to say my words. He has brought glory to our state and country. It was very difficult to arrange 28 thousand rupees for him. All the barriers defeated near Kishore and glorified us,” said Kishore’s sister Itishree Sundaray.

Though Kishore was born into a poor family, poverty was defeated by strong willpower. To join the defence sector he aimed to perform in sports. To fulfill his dream Kishore chose Javelin.

Teens devote themselves to sports to support their families and join the army for some certification. His coach, Neelmadhav Deo, coached him how he would play well. Despite several barriers, Kishore overcame it all.

Kishore’s coach Nilamadhab Deo said, “In Puri athlete meet Kishore could not perform well. Still, it was marked that he has potential. I suggested him to undergo training in Bhubaneswar. His willpower and effort brought success”

“It is a matter of pride for us. He has proved that if there is will there is a way. Necessity is the mother of invention” said a villager.

With this success, the Villagers celebrated the day for Kishore. Local MLA Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra met Kishore’s family members and provided an aid of Rs.10 lakhs to make a Javelin club in the village.