Picture Credit: Twitter
Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has gifted his historic Tokyo Olympics gold medal-winning javelin to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Chopra was accompanied there by another Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra.
The museum includes memorabilia from over 120 years, which includes the rifle of Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win individual Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008. The museum is handled by the International Olympic Committee’s Heritage team with the objective of preserving the Olympic legacy.
While speaking at the event, Neeraj Chopra expressed gratitude for this opportunity in a statement made by the Indian Olympic association. He said, “I’m grateful for this occasion. It is a privilege to join the hallowed galleries of the Olympic Museum, a space where the most iconic moments from Olympic history are showcased. For any athlete, it is a great honour to be able to inspire others.”
He also tweeted about the event saying:
The 23-year-old had an 88.39m throw which helped him get the gold medal in Tokyo. Chopra was the first track and field athlete ever to win a gold medal for India at the Games and the second individual Indian to do so, after Bindra’s Gold in the men’s 10-metre air rifle event in 2008.
Neeraj Chopra, donated his javelin, after winning the Lausanne Diamond League after registering an 89.08m throw in his first attempt. The Olympic gold medallist couldn't improve his throw in the second attempt, registering a distance of 85.18m.
Reacting to this historic win, Chopra said, “This win is very important for our country. I feel we shouldn’t be only focusing on the events that happen after four or two years. Competitions like Diamond League Meet or Continental Tour are really good opportunities for athletes. It happens every year, and it gives us opportunities to do well. It really helps prepare well for the major tournaments because world-class athletes participate here. Performing well in these tournaments will also help Indian Athletics and the sport.”