Neeraj Chopra wins the World Athletics Championships’ first gold medal for an Indian
In a historic moment for Indian athletics, the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships, held in Budapest, Hungary, was secured by Neeraj Chopra. The ‘golden boy of Indian athletics’ made history as the first-ever Indian athlete to claim gold at this prestigious championship. Neeraj’s extraordinary feat unfolded in the early hours of August 28, where he faced competitors from around the world. Demonstrating exceptional prowess, he delivered a stellar throw of 88.17 meters during his second attempt, establishing his dominance throughout the event. This remarkable performance not only secured Neeraj the gold medal but also positioned him as a trailblazer for Indian sports on the global stage. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, another formidable contender, closely followed Neeraj’s achievement, securing a silver medal with a commendable throw of 87.82 meters. Nadeem, a previous standout at the Commonwealth Games, displayed his skills on the world stage. The third spot on the podium was claimed by Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, who showcased his prowess with a best throw of 86.67 meters. Neeraj’s father, Satish Kumar, expressed immense pride in his son’s accomplishment, stating, “This is a very proud moment for our country as we got a gold medal in the World Championship as well. When Neeraj returns to India, we shall celebrate. The news of Neeraj’s historic victory sparked congratulatory messages from all quarters. India’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, celebrated Neeraj’s feat as a watershed moment in Indian sporting history. He expressed his pride and appreciation for the athlete’s remarkable achievement on social media. The Indian Army also joined in celebrating Neeraj’s accomplishment, recognizing it as a monumental achievement and extending their congratulations on various social media platforms. Neeraj’s gold medal not only adds a glittering achievement to his personal record but also enhances India’s medal count at the World Athletics Championships He earlier won a silver medal in the Championships, making this triumph his second medal overall.