Picture Credit: Olympics
Olympic gold-medalist Neeraj Chopra etched his name in the history books forever as he ended India's 100-year long wait for a medal in athletics. The 23-year-old Indian athlete bagged India's first gold medal in men’s javelin throw at Tokyo Olympics 2020 with a monstrous throw of 87.58 m. With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra become only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India.
After his historic achievement, Neeraj took to social media on Sunday and shared a heartfelt post. He thanked everyone for all the “support and blessings". He added that this moment is going to stay with him all his life. He tweeted, “Still processing this feeling. To all of India and beyond, thank you so much for your support and blessings that have helped me reach this stage. This moment will live with me forever."
Check out Neeraj's heartfelt post here:
I am sad for him now: Neeraj Chopra on World No. 1 Johannes Vetter's early elimination
Neeraj Chopra said that he felt bad for German Javelin thrower Johannes Vetter, who was eliminated early from the final. Neeraj said after the Javelin final on Saturday, “In the Olympics, world rankings do not matter that much. All that matters is whose day it is, who comes up with his best that day. Honestly, I am sad for him now, because he was eliminated early in the final. But sports is like that, even greats do not win everyday.”
Neeraj dedicates gold medal to Milkha Singh
Neeraj Chopra fulfilled Indian athletics legend Milkha Singh’s last wish of seeing an Indian winning an Olympic medal in track and field. After winning India's first ever Olympic medal in athletics, Neeraj said, "I dedicate this medal to Milkha Singh. I hope he’s watching upon me from wherever he is." Neeraj also dedicated the gold medal to PT Usha and other Indian athletes who came close to winning an Olympic medal in the past.