'Rejections made me stronger', says Para-athlete Shrimant Jha

New Delhi [India], Nov 28 (ANI): Differently-abled arm wrestler Shrimant Jha, who recently won silver medal at the Para-arm wrestling World Cup in Poland, has said that the rejections he faced at an early age inspired him to become an athlete.

The 25-year-old, resident of naxal-hit Chhattisgarh, faced his first rejection when he was in class tenth.

"When I was in class 10th, I wanted to participate in inter-school football national championship. There were 200 players and I made it to top-22, but was rejected later due to my disability," Jha said, while talking to ANI.

Jha described it as the turning point of his life.

He said, "At that time I thought that I'll win medal for my country. I worked hard and now results are out in the open."

Jha, who was born with four fingers in both his hands, has been doing arm-wrestling since 2010 and started representing India since 2013.

Jha is currently also working as a junior engineer in a private company to support his family financially.

The Bihar-born para-wrestler shared that his family's financial condition also inspired him to become a successful athlete.

"When I used to see players are awarded with cash prizes after winning medals, I thought that I could also support my family if I win cash prizes."

However, despite bringing pride to the country, Jha has not yet received any financial help from the government.

"Government has only given assurance by far and no financial help. The Raman Singh government in Chhattisgarh has also assured me of a government job."

Jha, who has five world championship medals now aims for the upcoming Para Olympics.

He secured silver medal in para-arm wrestling world cup at Poland under 80 kg category. (ANI)