Marya
India witnessed a historic moment when Neeraj Chopra, a 23-year-old Javelin throw athlete won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The moment was all the more legendary as it was after 13 years that India won a gold medal in the Olympics. The whole nation was swelling with happiness and pride when Indian National Anthem was played for the first time in this year’s Olympics.
It was an indescribable moment for the nation. India last received the gold medal in 2008 by Abhinav Bindra. In the sport of athletics, Indian athletes are not considered among the top contenders. However, Neeraj entered the Tokyo Olympics as a strong contender. And he’s demonstrated why. Neeraj has also accomplished something that no Indian athlete has done since 1900, winning Olympic gold in athletics.
Neeraj Chopra’s Journey to Success
Nothing comes off easy and neither did it for Neeraj. The Champion had his journey and now it has reached a point of celebration. The Javelin thrower is from Khandra village in Panipat, Haryana, and was born on December 24, 1997. Neeraj, who was first interested in cricket, switched to javelin in 2011 after seeing others throw it in Haryana.
Neeraj Chopra, the son of a farmer, is a Subedar of the Indian Army’s 4 Rajputana Rifles. The 23-year-old, a Chandigarh native, is also the first Indian to win gold in the javelin throw at both the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Neeraj has medaled in the Javelin Throw at both the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. In May of this year, Neeraj had elbow surgery on his throwing arm.
While recuperating from his injuries, he missed the IAAF World Championships, Diamond League, and Asian Championships. Irrespective of all the hurdles he made a grand comeback with the Olympic stage and stunned everyone with his debut performance.
Major Achievements
- Gold medal in Tokyo Olympics
- 2018 Asian Games gold medal
- 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal
- 2016 World Junior champion
- Junior world record holder
The Tokyo Olympics 2020
Still processing this feeling. To all of India and beyond, thank you so much for your support and blessings that have helped me reach this stage.
This moment will live with me forever 🙏🏽🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BawhZTk9Kk— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 8, 2021
The Olympic debutant Neeraj Chopra walked with confidence in the arena and conquered it with ease. Neeraj got off to a fast start. His first throw measured 87.03 meters. Then came a throw of 87.58 meters. Neeraj threw the javelin 76.79 meters on his third try. With this, he finished first out of 12 throwers and qualified for the final 8, who threw three times. The fourth throw by Neeraj was a no-throw. He was then followed by another no-throw, but he managed to keep his lead.
He had already won the gold medal by the time he came out for his sixth throw. Despite this, he took the throw and recorded a distance of 84.24 meters. That moment was one to witness- the grandeur of the throw, the overflowing sentiments of the people, and the moment of glory for the nation all encompassed in the final throw by the champion. What a fantastic way for India to round off their Olympic campaign in Tokyo by saving the best for last. We congratulate the star and wish him the best for his upcoming endeavors.
