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Neeraj Chopra Golden Boy
In the world of sports, there are stories that go beyond just games and records. Neeraj Chopra’s life is one such tale that captures the essence of determination and the pursuit of greatness. Neeraj Chopra, known as “India’s Golden Boy” after winning the historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, accomplished the feat in the men’s javelin final in Budapest, Hungary, taking first place with a remarkable 88.17-meter throw, which he accomplished on his second attempt.
This article explores the incredible journey of Neeraj Chopra, a young athlete who has risen from humble beginnings to become a source of inspiration for many.
Neeraj Chopra in Asian Games 2023
Neeraj Chopra wins gold in Asian Games 2023 Javelin Throw. Neeraj Chopra finishes with a best of 88.88m. He gets a no throw on his final attempt, and as of now stands in the gold medal spot.
Asian Games 2023 Javelin Throw
Neeraj Chopra, the top javelin thrower in the world, won the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on October 4 with a throw of 88.88 metres, making it yet another historic event. Neeraj Chopra completed his athletics degree. Everything is his to keep. In 2018, the Commonwealth and Asian titles were awarded.
Neeraj Chopra Gold Medal
Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower, secured a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023, which took place in Budapest, Hungary. On August 27th, he achieved this remarkable feat with an impressive throw of 88.17 meters.
In the competition, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won the silver medal by throwing 87.82 meters, his best performance of the season. The world’s number 1 javelin thrower, Jakub Vadlejch from Croatia, took the bronze medal with a throw of 86.67 meters.
Neeraj Chopra Diamond League 2023
Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion in javelin throwing, participated in the Diamond League finals held in Eugene, Oregon, USA. In the Diamond League competition, he finished in second place with a throw of 83.80 meters. The winner of the Diamond League finals was Jakub Vadlejch, who had a best throw of 84.24 meters.
- It’s worth noting that Neeraj Chopra had also secured a second-place finish at the same venue during the World Championships last year.
- During this Diamond League competition, the weather conditions were a bit challenging, with temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius and humidity at 45 per cent. None of the competitors were able to achieve a throw beyond 85 meters.
Neeraj Chopra faced some difficulties during the competition. He had two foul attempts, meaning his throws did not count, and his best throw of the day was 83.80 meters. His series of throws included fouls, 83.80m, 81.37m, fouls, 80.74m, and 80.90m.
List of Neeraj Chopra Medals in International Competitions
Here is a list of all medals won by Neeraj Chopra at international events.
Year | Event | Medal/Position | Length of Throw (in meters) |
2013 | World U18 Championships | 19th (q) | 66.75 m |
2015 | Asian Championships | 9th | 70.50 m |
2016 | South Asian Games | Gold | 82.23 m |
2016 | Asian U20 Championships | Silver | 77.60 m |
2016 | World U20 Championships | Gold | 86.48 m (WU20R) |
2017 | Asian Championships | Gold | 85.23 m |
2018 | Commonwealth Games | Gold | 86.47 m |
2018 | Asian Games | Gold | 88.06 m (NR) |
2021 | Olympic Games | Gold | 87.58 m |
2022 | Diamond League | Gold | 88.44 m |
2022 | World Championships | Silver | 88.13 m |
2023 | World Championships | Gold | 88.17 m |
2023 | Diamond League Finals | Silver | 83.80 m |
2023 | Asian Games 2023 | Gold | 88.88 m |
Read about: Major Dhyan Chand
Neeraj Chopra Biography
Neeraj Chopra, an Indian javelin thrower, achieved a historic milestone by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a remarkable throw of 87.58 meters. This victory made him the first Indian track and field athlete to claim an Olympic gold medal and the second individual sportsperson from India to achieve this prestigious feat. His accomplishment marked a groundbreaking moment in Indian sports.
Neeraj Chopra’s Age and Early Life
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, India, Neeraj Chopra hails from a farming family. He was the eldest among his siblings, growing up in a joint family of 17 members. During his early years, Neeraj faced weight issues and weighed 90 kilograms by the age of 12. Teasing from other children prompted his father to enrol him in a local gym to help him shed weight.
Neeraj’s introduction to athletics came when he impressed javelin thrower Jaiveer Singh with his initial throw of 40 meters at a nearby sports centre. This led to his journey into javelin throwing, and he began training under coach Naseem Ahmad at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula. At the age of 15, he achieved his first national title with a record throw of 68.40 meters at the 2012 junior nationals in Lucknow.
Winning Achievements of Neeraj Chopra
His early international success included winning a silver medal at the Youth Olympics Qualification in Bangkok in 2014. Neeraj continued to excel, setting a national record with a throw of 84.23 meters at the 2016 South Asian Games, where he secured a gold medal. His career reached new heights in July 2016 when he set a world junior record and won gold at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Neeraj Chopra’s excellence extended to the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017, where he won gold with a throw of 85.23 meters. In 2018, he clinched a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games with an impressive throw of 86.47 meters. His historic moment came at the 2018 Asian Games, where he became the first Indian javelin thrower to win gold, achieving a remarkable throw of 88.06 meters and surpassing his own national record.
Despite facing an elbow injury that required surgery in 2019, Neeraj Chopra remained determined. He underwent rehabilitation and training with experts, including biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz in South Africa.
In January 2020, he qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.86 meters in the ACNW League Meeting in Potchefstroom. In March 2021, he improved his previous national record with an 88.07m throw and secured a gold medal at his first international competition of the season in Lisbon, Portugal.
On August 4, 2021, representing India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra registered a throw of 86.65 meters, qualifying for the men’s javelin throw final. Then, on August 7, 2021, he made history by securing the gold medal with an outstanding 87.58m throw. This victory not only made him a sporting icon but also inspired a generation of aspiring athletes in India.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Neeraj Chopra joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Junior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Naib Subedar. He received several awards for his contributions to sports, including the Arjuna Award and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), a decoration of the Indian armed forces.
Learning From Neeraj Chopra’s Life
Neeraj Chopra’s journey from a young boy struggling with weight issues to an Olympic gold medalist is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for athletics. His remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on Indian sports history, instilling hope and inspiration in athletes across the nation.