This Apeejay student athlete hopes to represent India in Hammer Throw

Jessica Jagdev, a M. Voc E-Commerce student at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, is the next big name to watch out for. A rising talent in the world of hammer throw, Jagdev recently won the second position in an inter collegiate athletic meet and tells us about her tryst with this unique sport in a fun candid interview. Read edited excerpts: 

Jessica, do tell us what made you interested in hammer throw? 

I was always the energetic kid who loved being a part of various sports events. My love for sports and support from my parents led me to become an athlete. My father always looked up to me and encouraged me at all times which kept me motivated and moving.

But we are clueless about hammer throw! Please explain the sport and its rules?

The hammer used in this sport is not like any of the tools also called by that name. The hammer here consists of a metal ball attached by a steel wire to a grip. These three components are each separate and can move independently. 

Both the size and weight of the ball vary between men’s and women’s events. The women’s hammer weighs 4 kilograms for college and professional meets while the men’s hammer weighs 7.26 kilograms. 

Throws are made from a throwing circle. The thrower is not allowed to step outside the throwing circle before the hammer has landed and may only enter and exit from the rear of the throwing circle.

And since when did you start training professionally? 

I started my professional training when I was pursuing my higher studies. I tried to have a flexible diet schedule which mostly consisted of protein and carbohydrate rich foods along with some fats. Along with that, I train twice a day i.e. in the morning as well as in the evening.

Do you wish to represent India in the future?

Yes! I am working on it and hope to achieve my goals as soon as possible.

Lastly, this sport requires technique and strength both. A slight mistake can lead to an injury.

I have got into a lot of accidents while training but I never lost hope and never gave up as injuries are a part of the journey. We just need to learn from the injuries rather than whining about them.