Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, made a significant announcement on Monday, offering a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh to the javelin sensation, Kishore Jena. Kishore made history by becoming the first athlete from the state to represent India at the finals of the World Athletics Championship in Budapest. His commendable performance earned him a fifth-place finish in the final, along with a new personal best of 84.77 meters.
Naveen Patnaik praised Kishore for his incredible journey and exceptional performance at the World Athletics Championship. He emphasized that Kishore’s achievements have not only brought pride to Odisha and the nation but will also serve as an enduring source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the years to come.
Hailing from Kothasahi in Puri district and born to a farmer’s family, the 27-year-old Kishore faced uncertainty about his participation in the championship due to a delayed Visa process. His predicament caught the attention of Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, who also secured gold in the World Athletics Championship. Neeraj Chopra’s intervention expedited the Visa process for Kishore.
Kishore’s journey as a javelin thrower started in 2015 when he switched from volleyball to pursue his passion, following the guidance of his coach. A product of the Government Sports Hostel in Bhubaneswar, he honed his skills in javelin before participating in the World Athletics Championship. His training was conducted at the Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar, a testament to his dedication and determination.
Prasanta Patnaik