Puri: The Holy City Puri is bursting with joy since the news of Kishore Jena winning the silver medal in javelin throw at the Asian Games Hangzhou in China boomed across television sets on Wednesday. Everyone in this Holy City is proud of Kishor’s achievement and more so because his throw yesterday also earned him a ticket to the Paris Olympic Games next year.
Kishore’s family, villagers, and even the Puri police are very happy and proud of this achievement. They celebrated his achievement by distributing sweets. People here are also elated because Kishore has brought glory to the country and made the people of Odisha and his village Bramhagiri Koth Sahi proud.
Kishore Jena, son of Brahmagiri Koth Sahi of Puri district, is hard working and dedicated to his sports, said his father Kesab Jena, adding, “We all were confident that he would get a medal at the Asian Games this year. In fact, at one time during the competition, it seemed Kishore would win the gold defeating his idol and poster boy of javelin Neeraj Chopra.”
“I am happy that the hard work of my son has paid off and he has achieved what he wanted. We all are proud of him,” said Kesab Jena.
Kishore’s sister Itishree Samataray was jubilant. “Having been among the best five at the World Championships, we were sure that Kishore would win the bronze medal in javelin throw at the Asian Games. However, when Pakistan’s javelin ace Arshad Nadeem withdrew from the competition due to injury, we were sure that my brother would bag the silver,” she said.
“Actually Kishore led his ‘idol and big brother’ Neeraj at the half stage of the competition, and it seemed Kishore would bag the gold in the javelin throw. But luck was not on his side and he had to be content with the silver. Nevertheless, we are all happy and proud of him. Kishore has made everyone in Koth Sahi and Odisha proud. He has given us and our village a new recognition.