Neeraj Chopra Makes History with Gold at World Athletics Championships
Neeraj Chopra, the talented javelin thrower from India, achieved an extraordinary feat by winning his first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. This remarkable achievement took place during the men’s javelin throw final event in Budapest.
In an unforgettable moment, Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal with an incredible throw of 88.17 meters in his second attempt during the final. This exceptional distance remained unbeaten throughout the event. Notably, Neeraj’s triumph showed remarkable progress from the previous 2022 World Championships, where he had earned a silver medal.
The journey to victory wasn’t without its challenges. In the initial stages of the final, Neeraj’s throw reached just 79 meters. Unhappy with this performance, he decided not to register the score at all by stepping over the line to commit a foul. However, he quickly turned the tables with his second attempt, unleashing the javelin in a celebratory style even before it landed.
Neeraj’s achievement was celebrated not only in India but across the border as well. Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan secured the second spot with a throw of 87.82 meters, closely trailing the Indian gold medalist. The bronze medal went to Jakub Vadlejch from the Czech Republic, who threw the javelin to a distance of 86.67 meters.
Although Neeraj’s fellow Indian javelin throwers, Kishore Jena and DP Manu, couldn’t secure podium positions, their performances were impressive. Both athletes made it to the top eight and finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Jena recorded his personal best throw of 84.77 meters, while Manu achieved a distance of 84.14 meters.
Neeraj Chopra, currently ranked as the world’s number one javelin thrower, had previously clinched the Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020. He had also secured a silver medal at the previous World Championships in Eugene. Notably, the only other Indian to medal at the World Championships was Anju Bobby George, who won bronze in the women’s long jump event in 2003 in Paris.
Neeraj’s journey to the historic win began with an impressive qualification round at the 2023 event. His first throw covered a distance of 88.77 meters, securing his spot in the Sunday final. In the final, his throws ranged from 88.17 meters to 83.98 meters, following his foul in the opening throw.
Making his mark on history, Neeraj Chopra became just the third athlete ever to hold both the Olympic and World Championships titles in javelin throw. This exclusive club includes the legendary Jan Zelezny from the Czech Republic and Andreas Thorkildsen from Norway. Zelezny had secured gold in the Olympics and World Championships multiple times, while Thorkildsen’s victories came in 2008 and 2009.
Neeraj Chopra’s incredible achievement not only elevates his status but also shines a bright light on Indian athletics on the global stage.
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