Bhagyashree Jadhav, a seasoned shot putter and javelin thrower, is determined to secure a Paralympic medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Having represented India at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, she has come close but is yet to reach the podium.
At the ongoing Khelo India Para Games, Bhagyashree showcased her exceptional form, winning gold in both shot put and javelin at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Competing in the F33-34 category, she dominated her events, securing first place in shot put with a 7.30m throw—well ahead of Karnataka’s Medha Jayant (4.65m). In javelin, she threw 13.57m, comfortably surpassing Uttar Pradesh’s Deepika Rani (10.42m).
“This stadium has a special energy. The first edition of Khelo India Para Games gave me a unique experience. The setup here is great for para athletes, allowing us to focus purely on performance,” Bhagyashree shared with SAI Media.
Her journey into para sports began in 2017, but her story of resilience goes back much further. Originally from Honvadaj, a small village in Maharashtra’s Nanded district, Bhagyashree suffered a life-altering accident in 2006 that left her in a coma and on a ventilator for an extended period. Despite the trauma, she rebuilt her life with the support of her family.
“My family has been my biggest strength,” she said. “The accident was a painful chapter that I don’t like to revisit. But I’ve come a long way since then, and now, my focus is on bringing glory to my country.”
Her entry into sports was encouraged by her brother, journalist Prakash Jadhav Kamble, who was advised that she could excel in para athletics. She began with shot put and javelin, winning her first gold and bronze at the Mayor’s Cup in Pune in 2017.
Since then, Bhagyashree has consistently represented India on the international stage. She won two bronze medals at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in China, followed by a silver medal in shot put (F34) at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, she reached the finals and placed seventh, while in Paris 2024, she finished fifth.
“I have won medals at World Championships, Asian Games, and other international events, but my dream is to win a Paralympic medal. It feels like something is missing without it,” she admitted.
With three years to prepare, Bhagyashree is determined to make LA 2028 her moment of triumph.