Born on December 24, 1997, Neeraj Chopra is a renowned Indian track and field athlete who has left an indelible mark on the global stage. His accomplishments include being the reigning Olympic, World, and Diamond League champion in javelin throw. Notably, he achieved the distinction of becoming the first Asian athlete to secure Olympic gold in his discipline, as well as clinching gold at the World Championship – a milestone previously unattained by any other Asian athlete.
From the Army to Athletic Excellence
Neeraj Chopra’s journey is unique as he serves as a Junior Commissioned Officer Subedar (JCO) in the Indian Army. His dedication and prowess have led to a historic achievement: being the first Indian track and field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal.
Additionally, he made history by clinching victory at the World Under-20 Championships in 2016 with a remarkable throw of 86.48 meters, setting a world U20 record and marking a groundbreaking moment for Indian athletics.
A Glimpse into His Triumphs
Chopra’s illustrious career includes standout performances at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Asian Games, where he notably carried the Indian flag and secured gold medals in both competitions. His accolades extend to being one of only two Indians, alongside Abhinav Bindra, to have won an individual Olympic gold medal.
He holds the distinction of being the youngest Indian athlete to achieve this feat, capturing gold on his Olympic debut. His journey of success continued with a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships, making him the second Indian to earn a medal at a World Athletics Championships. He further solidified his legacy by clinching India’s first gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Neeraj Chopra’s Top Records
Neeraj Chopra is one of the most successful javelin throwers in the world. He has set several records, including:
Under-20 World Record: 86.48m, achieved at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Indian National Record: 89.94m, achieved at the Stockholm Diamond League in Sweden on June 30, 2022. This is Chopra’s personal best throw.
Olympic Gold Medal: 87.58m, achieved at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Chopra is the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in men’s javelin throw.
Silver Medal at the World Athletics Championships: 88.13m, achieved at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States. This is India’s second medal at the World Athletics Championships after long-jumper Anju Bobby George’s bronze in 2003.
Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games: 86.47m, achieved at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. This is India’s first gold medal in men’s javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games.
Chopra is a true champion and an inspiration to athletes all over the world. He is a role model for young people in India and he has helped to put the country on the map in the world of athletics. I am sure that he will continue to achieve great things in the future.
Here are some other notable achievements of Neeraj Chopra:
- He won the gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati, India.
- He won the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- He was named the Indian Athlete of the Year in 2018 and 2020.
- He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2021.
Neeraj Chopra is a truly great athlete and he has made India proud. I am excited to see what he accomplishes in the years to come.
Recent World Athletics Championship 2023
Neeraj Chopra Makes History with Gold at World Athletics Championship 2023
In a remarkable feat, Neeraj Chopra, the acclaimed javelin thrower and Olympian, clinched the gold medal at the World Athletics Championship 2023.
This triumph marks a historic moment as he not only secured victory but also became the pioneer in securing India’s first-ever gold medal at this prestigious event.
His exceptional throw of 88.17 meters during his second attempt in Budapest secured his position at the top.
Chopra Maintains Lead Amidst Tough Competition
Maintaining his impressive performance, Chopra maintained his lead over his competitors. Pakistan’s star athlete and Commonwealth Games champion, Arshad Nadeem, secured second place with a throw of 87.82 meters, earning the silver medal.
The bronze medal was secured by Jakub Vadlejch from the Czech Republic, with a throw of 86.67 meters.
Notably, Indian athletes Kishore Jena and DP Manu showcased commendable efforts, securing fifth and sixth places with throws of 84.77 meters and 84.14 meters, respectively.
Adding to His Legacy
With this victory, Neeraj Chopra solidified his legacy in the World Athletics Championship. This gold medal complements his previous silver medal win from the previous year, showcasing his consistent excellence in the field.
Prior to Chopra’s success, the last Indian medalist at the World Athletics Championship was Anju Bobby George, who secured a bronze medal in the women’s long jump back in 2003.
Heartfelt Congratulations from the Indian Army and Prime Minister
Neeraj Chopra’s remarkable achievement garnered recognition and applause from various quarters. The Indian Army and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the messages of congratulations. Prime Minister Modi, in a tweet, hailed Chopra’s talents, precision, and dedication. He described Chopra as a symbol of excellence in the sports world, emphasizing his remarkable prowess not only in athletics but across all sports domains. The Prime Minister congratulated him on his gold medal victory at the World Athletics Championships.
