Kishore Jena says ‘high probability that India can win more than one javelin medal at Paris Olympics’
Jena, who finished behind compatriot Neeraj Chopra at the Asian Games, also noted that he sees the current Olympic and world champion as a mentor, not a rival.
Last year, Kishore Kumar Jena skyrocketed to fame after winning a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou and securing India’s second quota in the event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This year, though, the 28-year-old from Odisha is aiming even higher and has set his eyes on nothing short of an Olympic medal. His ambition may see him challenge compatriot Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, but Kishore Jena considers it more of an opportunity than a hindrance.
“As per rule, three athletes can compete from one country in javelin throw. That increases the probability of winning more medals in Paris,” Jena said during an interview with SAI Media during the launch of the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme in Chandigarh on Wednesday.
“We are all training hard for the Summer Games and if we can stay consistent and injury-free, India can do better than Tokyo,” said Jena, adding that he considers superstar Chopra as a mentor and motivator rather than a competitor.
“My aim is to keep improving my results and overcome my weaknesses,” Jena said. “I keep taking suggestions from Neeraj bhai. I don’t see him as my competitor.
“Whenever I encounter some problem I take his advice as he is one of the nicest human beings I have ever come across. He doesn’t hold back when it comes to offering the right tips,” Kishore Jena pointed out.
At Hangzhou last year, Jena was responsible for helping India to a historic 1-2 finish in the men’s javelin throw competition at the Asian Games. The athlete, who comes from a farming family in Odisha’s Puri district, went toe-to-toe with eventual gold medal winner Chopra (88.88 metres) before settling for silver with a personal best effort of 87.54 metres..
“At that time I was happy that I had qualified for Paris 2024. I went up to him (Chopra) and even told him that I have qualified. He boosted my confidence saying I can post a bigger throw. Like everyone, my aim is to win a medal but that is not entirely under my control and I will go for my personal best at my maiden Olympics,” Jena noted.
Kishore Jena had also managed a credible fifth-place finish at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, where Neeraj Chopra clinched gold.
Yet to compete this year, Jena has been hard at work to prepare himself mentally and physically for Paris 2024. He went on an exposure trip to Gold Coast in Australia last month, where he was accompanied by long-time coach Samarjeet Singh Malhi.
“My season has started on a good note as compared to last year. I believe 2024 will be a great season for me. Practice is going well … I am sure my performance will be better as I will give it my 100 percent, rest is on the Almighty and what happens on that particular day,” said Jena.
Jena is currently training at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala and will start his season with the Doha leg of the 2024 Diamond League season, scheduled in May.