In the climactic showdown of the World Athletics Championship, Neeraj Chopra emerged victorious, etching his name in the annals of sporting history. A resounding triumph that reverberated through the arena in Budapest, Hungary, as Neeraj propelled the javelin to an astounding distance of 88.17 meters.
This monumental achievement made Neeraj the first Indian athlete to claim the World Championship title, a feat that had long been anticipated. The golden moment unfolded during the late-night final on August 27th, where the reigning Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra, exceeded all expectations.
Remarkably, he secured his place as just the second javelin thrower worldwide to grasp Olympic gold and World Championship gold in the same discipline.
Meanwhile, in a testament to his skill and determination, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, a formidable adversary of Neeraj’s, secured the silver medal.
Neeraj’s journey to greatness began in 2016 when he scripted history by clinching the Junior World Championship. This milestone made him the first Indian to achieve such distinction in athletics.
Fast forward seven years, and Neeraj has replicated his miraculous journey, now as a senior athlete, etching his name indelibly in the pantheon of champions. He has become the quintessential Indian athlete, conquering every major game and championship at the senior level.
A Rocky Start Transformed into a Roaring Triumph
The grand finale did not commence auspiciously for Neeraj Chopra. His initial throw resulted in a foul, relegating him to the bottom rung among the twelve finalists. He stood as the sole competitor to foul in the first attempt. However, this setback failed to deter the indomitable Neeraj.
In a remarkable comeback, his second throw saw the javelin soar to a distance of 88.17 meters, catapulting him to the top position. Neeraj’s dominance continued into the third attempt, where he secured the lead with a throw of 86.32 meters, concluding the first half of the competition on a high note.
Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan, on the other hand, experienced a slow start, with his initial throw measuring 74.80 meters, followed by 82.81 meters in the second attempt. However, Nadeem’s determination bore fruit in the third throw, as he achieved a distance of 87.82 meters, securing the second spot behind Neeraj.
Notably, India’s DP Manu recorded a throw of 83.72 meters in the third attempt, while Kishore Jena reached 82.82 meters in his second throw. Consequently, both Indian athletes earned spots in the top eight, securing three additional throws each in the second half of the competition.
Neeraj Chopra Seizes the Championship Title
As the first half concluded, Neeraj Chopra stood atop the leaderboard with just three throws remaining. His fourth attempt covered a distance of 84.64 meters, while Arshad recorded 87.15 meters. The competition remained intense, but Arshad faltered in the fifth and sixth throws.
In contrast, Neeraj unleashed a throw of 87.73 meters in his fifth attempt, securing the championship title even before his sixth throw. As a result, Nadeem claimed the silver medal, while Yakov Vadlech of the Czech Republic secured the bronze.
Further down the rankings, India’s Kishore Jena achieved a personal best with a throw of 84.77 meters in his fifth attempt, securing the fifth position. DP Manu concluded the competition in sixth place, registering a throw of 84.14 meters.
Neeraj’s Historic Feat
Neeraj Chopra, renowned for his consistent medal-winning performances in major championships and events, accomplished a historic milestone never before witnessed in Indian athletics.
He became the first Indian athlete to claim two medals at the World Championships, adding to his silver medal from the previous year’s championship in Eugene. Prior to Neeraj’s dual triumph, India had only secured one medal at the World Athletics Championships, courtesy of Anju Bobby George’s bronze in the long jump in 2005.
Neeraj’s illustrious name now graces the roster of champions in every conceivable major competition, including the Olympic Games, Diamond League, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Championship, and Junior World Championship.
Honors and Celebrations Abound
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur extended hearty congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for his golden feat at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. In a tweet, Thakur hailed Neeraj as the “Golden boy of Indian athletics” and celebrated the moment as a historic milestone in Indian sports history.
The celebrations were not confined to official circles alone. Neeraj Chopra’s father and family members rejoiced heartily, savoring their son’s historic triumph, securing India’s first gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Acknowledgment from the Indian Army
The Indian Army celebrated its own, Subedar Neeraj Chopra, for his gold medal victory in the men’s javelin throw at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Neeraj’s remarkable throw of 88.17 meters earned him well-deserved recognition and acclaim from his military comrades.
Neeraj’s Reflections on Victory
Following his momentous gold medal win, Neeraj Chopra shared his thoughts with the world. As he gazed upon the audience, he raised his hand with the assurance of victory.
He expressed, “I thought I would go higher with the first throw, but there were some technical problems in this attempt. The first throw was bad, it happens. But I pushed hard. I was also thinking about my injury. I was cautious, and my pace was not at 100 percent. When my pace is not on my side, I feel frustrated, and being 100 percent fit is a priority for me.”
Neeraj extended his gratitude to the entire nation, thanking Indians for staying up late to witness his victory. He dedicated his medal to all of India, emphasizing the potential of Indians to excel in diverse fields through hard work and dedication.
A Historic Triumph in Track and Field
Neeraj Chopra’s historic win marked a pivotal moment for Indian athletics. It was India’s first gold medal in the track and field category of the World Athletics Championships, elevating Neeraj to the status of the first Indian to achieve such a remarkable feat.
In the history of Indian athletics, the only prior World Athletics Championship medal had been Anju Bobby George’s bronze in the long jump in 2003. With this momentous victory, Neeraj has also secured his berth at the Paris Olympics in 2024, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th.
Accompanying him, India’s DP Manu and Kishore Jena made valiant attempts in the javelin throw final, with Kishore finishing fifth and Manu securing the sixth position.
