Neeraj Chopra creates history, becomes first Indian Javelin thrower to clinch gold medal in Paavo Nurmi Games

Sunny Daud

UPDATED:Jun 18, 2024 22:56 IST

Neeraj Chopra (credits getty)

Highlights:

Neeraj Chopra becomes the first Indian javelin thrower to win a gold medal in the Paavo Nurmi Games.

Neeraj clinched Gold medal with a throw of 85.97 meters.

Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal in the ongoing Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 with a throw of 85.97 meters. This is the first time after the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar in May. He won gold with an 82.27m throw amid difficult weather conditions. This is the first Indian javelin thrower who won a gold medal in the ongoing event in Finland. In the 2022 edition, he clinched the silver medal with a throw of 89.30 meters after that the star athlete withdrew his name in the 2023 edition citing injury.

With a powerful throw in his first attempt, Neeraj Chopra was leading at 83.62m. However, the champion faced a small setback as he trailed behind Oliver Helander who took the lead with an effort of 83.95m. Chopra's fifth attempt was not recorded.

Home favourite Toni Keranen claimed the silver medal with a best throw of 84.19m, while his compatriot and last edition's gold-medallist Oliver Helander took the third spot with 83.96m.

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Neeraj Chopra made a comeback in the third round

Neeraj Chopra threw the javelin 83.62 meters in the first round which was best by the Indian star. After this, Neeraj threw the javelin 83.45 meters away in the second round. While Peters threw the javelin 81.82 meters behind him in the second round. Finland's Olivier Helander made a throw of 83.96 meters to take the lead. However, Neeraj again in the third round Neeraj made a comeback by registering a throw of 85.97 meters which remained undefeated till the last round of the game.