Tokyo [Japan], August 7 (ANI): Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra created history on Saturday as he became the first from the country to win a gold in track and field in the Olympics. He threw a distance of 87.58m to pick the gold at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
Neeraj began his quest for medal with a massive throw of 87.03 meters and was leading the pack after the end of first attempt. He bettered it with the second throw of 87.58m. While he wasn’t able to improve any further, it was enough to get him the coveted medal. He is now the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win a gold medal in individual events.
As a result of this win, India has now won seven medals in the multi-sporting event. In the ongoing Tokyo 2020, Bajrang Punia (Bronze), Mirabai Chanu (silver), PV Sindhu (bronze), Lovlina Borgohain (bronze), men’s hockey team ( bronze), and Ravi Kumar Dahiya (silver) have also won medals.
Neeraj had announced his arrival in style in the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday when he threw a monstrous throw of 86.65m and automatically qualified for the final after just his first attempt.
The Indian javelin thrower had a personal best of 88.07 metres which was also his season-best before starting his Olympics campaign.
India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra’s name will be etched in history books: Anurag Thakur
With javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra picking gold to script history at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, the entire country cannot stop celebrating. Wishes started to pour in for the ace athlete who had the biggest buzz around him before entering the Games.
Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, lauded Chopra on scripting history at the Games. “NEERAJ CHOPRA India’s Golden Boy! India’s Olympic History has been scripted! Your superbly soaring throw deserves a Billion Cheers! Your name will be etched in the history books with golden letters. #Tokyo2020 @Neeraj_chopra1,” tweeted Thakur.
The Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju also took to Twitter to congratulate Chopra, and he also said that late Milkha Singh’s wish has finally been fulfilled.
“History has been made, Milkha Singh Ji’s wish is fulfilled as India wins first-ever Olympic medal in Athletics! A golden moment 4 India as Neeraj Chopra won Olympic Gold medal for India at #Tokyo2020 Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on this historic achievement,” tweeted Rijiju.
What Neeraj Chopra has achieved today will be remembered forever: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for scripting history with his gold medal-winning feat at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
“History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020,” tweeted PM Modi.
Chopra created history on Saturday as he became the first from the country to win a gold in track and field in the Olympics. He threw a distance of 87.58m to pick the gold in Tokyo.
Neeraj Chopra’s historic achievement has brought javelin throw to the limelight: Abhinav Bindra
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra feels Neeraj Chopra‘s historic achievement at the Tokyo Games on Saturday has brought javelin throw to the centre stage in the country. Chopra created history as he became the first from the country to win a gold in track and field in the Olympics. He threw a distance of 87.58m to pick the gold.
Bindra lavished praise on Chopra after his sensational effort in the Games. The former Olympian said Chopra’s achievement becomes “even more memorable” considering the stiff competition in the mega event.
“Many congratulations on becoming India’s second Olympic Gold medalist. To win a Gold at the grandest sporting event in the world, which is held once every four years, is in itself so improbable that less than 3% of the 11,707 athletes competing in Tokyo will end up with one,” Bindra said in a letter congratulating Chopra.
“Add to it the weight of expectations from an extremely proud nation starved of Olympic success, and your achievement becomes even more memorable. Javelin throw might not be the most followed sporting discipline in India but your historic achievement has brought it to the limelight, capturing the imagination of billions watching at home.
“The impact your victory will create on promoting your sport amongst the country’s youth is immeasurable. You have crossed the first barrier; the gates are now firmly open. Budding Olympians will now look up to you as they set out to fulfill their dreams of bringing glory to the nation,” Bindra’s letter further read.
Bindra is the first Indian to bag an Olympic gold in an individual sport. The 2008 gold medallist welcomed Chopra to the elite club.
“Thanks to you, we have finished our Tokyo endeavor on a great high. Your performance has further elevated what has been evident throughout the Games — that our athletes are not only capable of going toe to toe with the best, but are firmly establishing ourselves as the favorites,” said Bindra.
“Our first individual Gold might have taken over a century to come, but the comparatively minuscule time taken for you to bring home the second is a solid indication that we, as a sporting nation, are on the rise.
“There might still be a lot of work to be done for us to become a sporting superpower, there might be disappointments in the future, and progress might even be slow, but we do know now that we are on the right path. We are stronger than ever because of the spirit you and your fellow Indians showed in Tokyo.
“At the risk of sounding repetitive, I would like to appreciate the most important and indispensable people behind your success — your family, friends, and support staff. Having been where you are now, I know that undertaking years of rigorous training to become the world’s best athlete in a sport is impossible without the love and support of these special people who selflessly do everything they can to help you achieve your dream as if it was theirs.
“Also, welcome you to the club. It is not the most happening of places yet and needs more members, but I feel your entry is going to pave the way for many more deserving athletes.
“For now, cherish all the accolades and praises, revel in the memories of the special moments. Going forward, I am confident that you will continue aiming for Gold in all that you do and keep the spirit of Olympism alive no matter where your journey takes you,” Bindra concluded.
Neeraj began his quest for a medal with a massive throw of 87.03 meters and was leading the pack after the end of the first attempt. He bettered it with the second throw of 87.58m. While he wasn’t able to improve any further, it was enough to get him the coveted medal.
