Indian sensation Neeraj Chopra has etched his name in history by clinching the gold medal in the javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. With a phenomenal throw spanning 88.17 meters, Chopra not only secured his maiden world championship gold but also became the first Indian to accomplish this remarkable feat on such a prestigious global stage.
In the championship final, Neeraj Chopra experienced a minor setback with a foul throw in the opening round, making him the sole athlete not to register a valid throw.
His journey to victory was underscored by a remarkable comeback in his second attempt, propelling the javelin to a distance of 88.17 meters, thus securing his top spot on the podium.
His closest rival, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, managed a best throw of 87.82 meters, earning him the silver medal. Meanwhile, Jakub Vadlejch from the Czech Republic secured the bronze with a throw of 86.67 meters.
Throughout the competition, Chopra consistently displayed excellence, recording impressive distances in his subsequent attempts. His distances included 86.32m, 84.64m, 87.73m, and 83.98m, solidifying his dominance in the event.
Notably, fellow Indian athletes Kishore Jena and DP Manu also showcased exceptional performances. Jena secured an admirable 5th position with a personal best throw of 84.77 meters, while Manu finished 6th with a best throw of 84.14 meters.
Neeraj Chopra’s historic achievement places him in the esteemed company of shooter Abhinav Bindra, being only the second Indian to simultaneously hold Olympic and World Championships titles. Bindra achieved the World Championships at age 23 and the Olympics at 25.
Neeraj Chopra, the first Indian Olympic track and field gold medalist, won silver at the 2022 World Championships. His triumph adds to India’s athletic honors, following Anju Bobby George’s bronze in the 2003 World Championships.
His achievement ranks him among the elite javelin throwers in history who have held both Olympic and World Championship titles. The illustrious list includes Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic and Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway.
Neeraj Chopra’s victory completes his collection of accolades in the sport, including gold medals from the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, as well as titles from the Junior World Championships and the Asian Championships. His achievements highlight his exceptional skill and dedication to the javelin throw.
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