India's star javelin thrower and Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra scripted history yet again by bagging a landmark silver at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday (July 24).
The 24-year-old Chopra, who had come into the showpiece as a hot medal favourite, produced a best throw of 88.13m, which came in the fourth round, to finish second behind defending champion Anderson Peters of Grenada (90.54m).
Meanwhile, riding on euphoria Neeraj's parents' are seventh heaven after their son's glorious achievement. Chopra's proud mother, Saroj Devi in an exclusive conversation with India Today said that she is extremely exhilarated with the efforts that her son put in which in return yielding him the rewards.
“I am very happy. It is very hard to reach that level in World Athletics. It does not matter to me if it is gold or silver, I am happy with both. God is rewarding him back for his efforts,” she said.
“We don't bother him very much when he is overseas, because he has very little time. But we are very happy that he is working hard,” she added on being asked about how much they stay connected with their son during hectic schedule overseas.
The athlete’s father Satish Kumar also expressed his happiness and said that it was quite incredible that India have won their second medal at the World Athletics Championship, many years after Anju Bobby George gave India its first ever podium finish.
“I am very happy that he has been able to win a silver at the championships. This is his fourth medal since the Olympics.
This is a very big achievement for the country, since we had only one medal till date. I am very happy that Neeraj has won the second one now,” he said.
The euphoria of Neeraj's glory was such that the women of his village danced and sang while family members got busy receiving guests and distributing 'ladoos' (sweets).
"Everyone is feeling very proud. This medal is of Olympic level. So, it is a very big achievement," Chopra's uncle Bhim Chopra, who has played a key role in shaping his career said.
Bhim said the whole country is happy and proud of his achievement.
"He has been constantly working very hard and we are happy that he has brought laurels for his country," he said, adding villagers had gathered at their house since morning.
