Kishore Jena, an Indian track and field athlete specializing in javelin throw, is poised to make his mark on the world stage at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Hailing from a family of paddy farmers in Kothasahi village, Puri district of Odisha, Jena’s journey to Olympic heights is a testament to perseverance and unwavering determination.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kishore Kumar Jena |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1995 (age 28) |
| Place of Birth | Kothasahi village, Puri district, Odisha, India |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 79 kg (174 lb) |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event | Javelin Throw |
| Employer | Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) |
From Volleyball to Javelin: An Unexpected Path
Kishore Kumar Jena’s athletic journey began with volleyball, a sport he pursued until his short stature hindered his progress and led to rejection from a sports hostel. This setback, however, proved to be a turning point. Embracing the opportunity for a fresh start, Jena switched to javelin throw in 2019, a decision that would redefine his athletic career.
Finding Stability and Success
In 2018, Jena secured employment with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), providing him with a sense of stability and allowing him to focus on honing his javelin throwing skills. The year 2023 marked a turning point for Jena. He clinched a silver medal at the national championships in Bhubaneswar, showcasing his growing prowess. Shortly after, he registered a throw of 84.38m in Sri Lanka, a significant improvement that hinted at his potential.
Breaking Barriers and Reaching New Heights
Jena’s unwavering dedication and talent culminated in a remarkable feat at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Overcoming initial hurdles related to visa approval, he secured a commendable fifth-place finish with a personal best throw of 84.77m. This achievement not only solidified his position as one of India’s brightest javelin throwers but also secured him a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Silver Lining: The 2023 Asian Games
Jena’s meteoric rise continued at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he secured a silver medal with a throw of 87.54m, a personal best at the time. This feat not only secured India’s second quota for the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics but also marked a significant milestone in Jena’s athletic career.
Facing Setbacks and Emerging Stronger
Jena’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In a recent interview, he revealed contemplating quitting the sport in 2022 due to a string of underwhelming performances. However, with unwavering support from his family, particularly his father’s encouragement, and a crucial 81.05m throw at the Indian Grand Prix in Thiruvananthapuram in March 2023, Jena reignited his passion and secured a World Ranking quota for the Budapest World Championships.
Paris Awaits: A Dream Realized
Despite a recent performance at the Paris Diamond League that wasn’t his best, Jena remains focused on his Olympic aspirations. He views Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and World Champion, as a mentor rather than a rival. Chopra’s positive influence, including a “Go for Paris” memento gifted after the World Championships, has significantly boosted Jena’s motivation and growth.
Jena’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. As he prepares to compete alongside Chopra at the Paris Olympics, the Indian javelin throw scene is abuzz with anticipation. With his talent, determination, and the support of his nation, Kishore Jena has the potential to not only replicate his Asian Games performance but also potentially challenge for a podium finish in Paris, bringing glory to India.
https://worldathletics.org/athletes/india/kishore-jena-14799976
current world ranking positions:
| Discipline | Place | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Javelin Throw | 7 | 1262 |
| Men’s Overall Ranking | 443 | 1262 |
Highest World Ranking Positions
| Discipline | Place | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Javelin Throw | 5 | 3 |
| Men’s Overall Ranking | 373 | N/A |
Personal Bests
| Discipline | Performance | Wind | Venue | Date | Records | Results Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javelin Throw | 87.54 | HOC Stadium, Hangzhou (CHN) | 04 OCT 2023 | 1209 |
Progression
Javelin Throw Progression
| Year | Performance | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 65.92 | Chennai (IND) | 25 SEP 2017 |
| 2018 | 70.64 | New Delhi (IND) | 11 DEC 2018 |
| 2019 | 68.58 | Patiala (IND) | 16 MAR 2019 |
| 2020 | 68.97 | Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula (IND) | 04 MAR 2020 |
| 2021 | 76.41 | Bhubaneshwar (IND) | 07 SEP 2021 |
| 2022 | 78.05 | Sree Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, Bengaluru (IND) | 18 OCT 2022 |
| 2023 | 87.54 | HOC Stadium, Hangzhou (CHN) | 04 OCT 2023 |
| 2024 | 80.84 | Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula (IND) | 30 JUN 2024 |
Honours
World Championships
| Place | Discipline | Mark | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Javelin Throw | 84.77 | Nemzeti Atlétikai Központ, Budapest (HUN) | 27 AUG 2023 |
Asian Games
| Place | Discipline | Mark | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Javelin Throw | 87.54 | HOC Stadium, Hangzhou (CHN) | 04 OCT 2023 |
Also read- https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indian-athletes-qualified-for-2024-olympics/