Devendra Jhajharia a true testament of 'grit and will power', says Sachin Tendulkar

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday showered praise on Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, who inked his name in the history books by becoming the first athlete from India to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.

The 36-year-old, who won his previous gold at the 2004 Athens Games, bettered his own world record to finish on top with a throw of 63.97 in the men's F46 category at the ongoing Paralympic Games, being held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Devendra has now become the only Indian to win two golds in an individual event at the Olympics or Paralympics.

He had his arm severed after he accidentally touched a 11,000 volt live cable at the age of eight.

"#DevendraJhajharia is a true testament of the fact that grit, will power & faith can make you achieve great heights! Congratulations champ!," Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.

Several other sportspersons cutting across various disciplines have joined the chorus in praising the most decorated Indian Paralympian.

India has now increased its medal tally to four at the Rio Paralympics. Earlier, Mariyappan Thangavelu had won gold in the men's high jump, while Varun Bhati had secured a bronze in the same event.

Shot putter Deepa Malik then scripted history, becoming the first Indian female paralympian to win a medal (Silver).