Picture Credit: Olympics
The entire 1.3 billion people of India skipped their heartbeat when Neeraj Chopra's historic javelin throw was travelling in the air to eventually see the country end its 121-year quest for an Olympic gold in athletics. Chopra's throw landed at 87.58 meters, the best amongst all at the event. The 23-year-old compelled the whole India to change its interest to athletics at least for a while on Saturday despite India playing England in a thrilling first Test match.
Neeraj Chopra joined Abhinav Bindra (Shooting) on the list of athletes with individual Olympic gold. It is worth noting that India has thus far clinched 10 gold at Olympics over the years with 8 of them bagged by the Indian hockey team in the past. India at Tokyo Games finished with their best tally of 7 medals in the history of the competition.
As soon as Neeraj achieved the historic feat on Saturday, wishes started pouring in for the athlete. With congratulatory messages, Neeraj also received various rewards and cash prizes.
Here is the list of rewards Neeraj Chopra achieved post his heroic achievement:
- Given that Neeraj hails from Haryana, the state government has announced a cash reward of INR 6 crore for the athlete along with a class I category state government job.
- Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has announced a cash reward of INR 2 crore for Chopra.
- Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh revealed on Twitter that his cabinet has decided to extend a reward of INR 1 crore to Neeraj.
- Amidst all this, India's richest sports governing body, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced a cash reward of INR 1 crore for the Olympic gold medallist. It also announced cash rewards for silver and bronze medalists from the country. BCCI secretary Jay Shah made the announcement on social media.
- One of the most successful teams of Indian Premier League, Chennai Super Kings, announced a reward of INR 1 crore for Neeraj Chopra.
- Meanwhile, Indian airline IndiGo offerered unlimited free travel to the javelin thrower for a period of one year.
- Additionally, Neeraj will get a SUV XUV700 from businessman Anand Mahindra as a gift.