Neeraj Chopra is the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. After Abhinav Bindra in Beijing 2008, the 23-year-old Javelin thrower became India’s only second individual goal medalist in the Games.
Key Summary
- Neeraj Chopra is the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field.
- After Abhinav Bindra in Beijing 2008, the 23-year-old Javelin thrower became India’s only second individual goal medalist in the Games.
- Chopra’S personal best (88.07m) was set in March of this year.
‘Want to practice harder to break the 90m mark,’ said Neeraj Chopra, who won gold in the Olympics.
On Saturday, Neeraj Chopra made Olympic history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in track and field. After Abhinav Bindra, who achieved the feat in Beijing 2008, the 23-year-old Javelin thrower is India’s only second individual goal medalist in the Games.
Chopra, a pre-tournament gold contender, sparked the country’s hopes with a solid 87.03m first throw, which he improved with an 87.58m throw in the second attempt. Chopra would finally finish on the top of the podium thanks to the latter.
The Javelin thrower claimed after winning the historic gold medal that his first throw was essential since it put pressure on the other competitors.
‘The first throw is vital because if you get it right, it puts pressure on the rest of the team.’ In a post-event virtual press conference, Chopra claimed, “I was able to do it.”
‘My second throw was also stable, and I felt like I might be able to break the Olympic record.’ It’s 90.57, and my personal best is 88.07. I figured if I could beat that, I’d set a new record… I tried to increase my power and speed, but javelin is a very technical sport, therefore it didn’t work.’
He went on to say that the goal now is to break the 90-meter barrier. Chopra’s personal best (88.07m) was set in March of this year.
‘Now I want to practice even harder to break the 90m barrier as soon as possible,’ Chopra added.
‘This year, my major priority was the Olympics; if my visa and training go well, I’ll play in the Diamond League.’
