Neeraj Chopra created history for Indian athletics by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. This remarkable achievement made him the first Indian athlete to secure a gold medal at this prestigious championship, earning him the title of the “golden boy of Indian athletics.”
During the final, Neeraj Chopra’s second attempt resulted in a remarkable throw of 88.17 meters, which remained the longest distance achieved in the event. This outstanding achievement by Neeraj showcased a significant improvement from the previous year’s World Championships, where he had secured a silver medal.
Not only did Neeraj’s exceptional performance secure him the gold medal, but it also positioned him as a pioneering figure for Indian sports on the international platform.
Chopra’s Victory and Impressive Showings in Javelin Final
In the final, despite a less-than-optimal start, the reigning Olympic gold medalist’s initial attempt fell considerably short, measuring only 79 meters. Clearly dissatisfied with this performance, Neeraj Chopra made a deliberate decision not to record the score, intentionally stepping over the line to incur a foul. However, he reserved his remarkable display for the second try. Fueled by an overwhelming surge of support from the enthusiastic crowd, Chopra embarked on his approach and, in his trademark fashion, initiated his celebration even before the javelin landed.
Chopra’s counterpart from Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem, secured second place with a slight distance deficit behind the Indian gold medalist, marking 87.82 meters. Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic clinched the bronze medal with a throw spanning 86.67 meters.
The other two Indian contenders in the javelin event, Kishore Jena and DP Manu, also showcased commendable performances, despite missing out on podium finishes. Both athletes succeeded in securing positions among the top 8, achieving fifth and sixth place, respectively. Jena achieved his personal best with the highest registered throw at 84.77 meters, while Manu’s throw reached a distance of 84.14 meters.
Twitter burst into a flurry of congratulations directed towards Neeraj Chopra!
PM Modi’s tweet celebrated Neeraj Chopra as an exceptional talent embodying true excellence. His unyielding commitment, precision, and boundless enthusiasm not only establish him as an athletics champion but also position him as an unrivaled symbol of brilliance on the global sports stage. Heartfelt felicitations to his gold medal victory at the World Athletics Championships, as lauded by the Prime Minister. Neeraj Chopra was commended as a living embodiment of “unsurpassed excellence.”
President Droupadi Murmu marked this achievement as a moment of profound national pride. She remarked, “Neeraj Chopra has penned another glorious chapter in India’s sports narrative, creating history as the first Indian to claim a gold medal in the World Athletics Championships. His extraordinary performance in the javelin throw finals in Budapest is destined to inspire the dreams of numerous young minds.”
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also conveyed his admiration for the accomplishment of Neeraj Chopra, who hails from the state.
Neeraj creates a historic moment!
The young Indian javelin thrower has done something incredible by becoming part of a special group of athletes who have won both Olympic and World Championships titles. Only two others have achieved this: Jan Zelezny from the Czech Republic and Andreas Thorkildsen from Norway.
Jan Zelezny won gold at the Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000, and also became World Champion in 1993, 1995, and 2001. Similarly, Andreas Thorkildsen got gold in the 2008 Olympics and the 2009 World Championships, making them both really outstanding in their sport.
