Kishore Jena Aims for Strong Season Start at Indian Open Throws Meet in Patiala
Indian javelin thrower Kishore Jena is set to make his competitive return at the Indian Open Throws meet in Patiala on Sunday, marking his first appearance since the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi in May last year. The athlete has been sidelined due to a right ankle injury, and this event represents a crucial step in his comeback journey.
Recovery Journey and Mental Challenges
Speaking ahead of the competition via a virtual interaction, Jena expressed his primary goal of throwing freely, something he has been unable to do for an extended period. "For months I couldn't throw properly, but now I have started to throw with full approach. So, I don't have any target as such for the throws meet. I just want to throw as freely as possible," said Jena.
This season opener comes after a challenging period for the athlete, who experienced a high in 2023 with a silver medal at the Asian Games, achieving a personal best throw of 87.54 meters behind Neeraj Chopra. However, following a disappointing performance at the Olympics, Jena underwent surgery for bone growth and fractures in his left ankle. As he began his comeback in 2025, a ligament tear in his right ankle forced him to miss the entire year.
"I got back from one injury and then another injury happened. I couldn't train or compete and just had to sit and wait. I just got frustrated with all the injuries. I couldn't think of anything positive and didn't feel like talking to anyone," Jena added, highlighting the mental toll of his setbacks.
Coach's Perspective and Future Goals
Steve Lemke, Jena's coach at the Reliance Foundation in Mumbai, acknowledged the difficulties of the recovery process. "It's been a very difficult journey. It's taken longer than anyone expected for him to get back to where he is right now. I mean, we still have some challenges, but not, not daily. It's just sometimes the ankle flares up a little bit. But he's in a lot better space than he was 12 months ago," said Lemke.
Jena now feels as confident as he did during the successful 2023 season, when he not only secured the Asian Games silver but also finished fifth at the World Athletics Championships. "I am throwing quite well in training. I worked a bit on the placement of my ankle because it wasn't going in the right direction after being out of competition for a long time, but I am confident of doing well," stated the athlete from Odisha.
His immediate focus remains on the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this year, but Lemke has broader aspirations. "2026 is important because it sets up the World Championships next year and the Olympics in 2028. So, this is a big stepping stone for the next two years," the coach emphasized.
The Indian Open Throws meet in Patiala serves as a critical starting point for Jena's season, offering an opportunity to gauge his progress and build momentum for upcoming international competitions.
