India's star javelin athlete Neeraj Chopra scripted history after bagging the silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. The gold-medallist from Tokyo Olympics delivered a season-best throw of 89.45 meters on his second shot in the men's javelin final on August 9. He became the first Indian track and field athlete to win two medals post-independence. Neeraj has also become the fourth Indian after independence to win two medals in the Olympics after Sushil Kumar, PV Sindhu, and Manu Bhaker. However, despite the historic feat, Neeraj was disappointed to not be able to clinch the gold again and not being able to breach the 90m mark.
Neeraj Chopra on not breaching the 90m mark
"It was probably the day for a 90m throw. It was needed as well. I haven’t thought about it (90m throw) that much. But, it is coming to my mind now. I gave it my all," Neeraj Chopra told Sports Tak from Paris after the blockbuster javelin final
"It was because of an injury (groin strain). I wanted to express myself and throw. It was not happening. It was the Olympic stage. But, the throw was still good. I managed only one legal throw. All others were foul. When Arshad threw 92.97m, I believed in my mind that I would be able to do it (90m) today. It didn’t happen today. Let’s see when it will happen. But the competition was very intense and exciting. Winning a medal for my country makes me happy,” he added.
Nadeem's 92.97 meters throw had turned out to be the greatest obstacle for Neeraj on his way to the abck-to-back gold medals. Neeraj made an incredible throw on the second shot and send the spear a ways off of 89.45 meters, almost 90 meters, which was his best season. Neeraj's third throw was also fouled after this. Nadeem of Pakistan was the only competition for Neeraj's gold medal. Neeraj had to be settle with the silver medal because even on his subsequent attempts, he was unable to cross the 90-meter mark. Anderson Peters of Grenada won the bronze decoration in this occasion with a distance of 88.54 meters.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Paris Olympics 2024: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem predicted his gold and Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal 24 hrs before javelin final
Paris Olympics: Neeraj Chopra scripts history, wins silver medal for India; Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem takes gold with new Olympic record
