The entire nation's eyes are once again hooked on Neeraj Chopra, who will be chasing history in the World Athletics Championships' final showdown in the javelin throw event on August 27, Sunday. Neeraj settled for a silver medal in the last edition of the World Athletics Championships. But Neeraj, who is brimming with confidence this time around, will leave not stone unturned to complete the missing link in his illustrious cabinet by clinch the ultimate gold medal in Budapest on Sunday.
Javelin maestro Chopra is undeniably one of India's premier sportspersons. Earning accolades since his early days, the spotlight firmly settled on him after his triumphant gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Now, at just 25, Chopra's list of achievements rivals those of seasoned athletes, showcasing a legacy in the making.
Let's dive into the remarkable milestones of Neeraj Chopra's sports career
Golden Feather in Tokyo Olympics:
Neeraj's 2021 Olympic triumph made him India's sole track and field gold medalist. He followed in the illustrious footsteps of shooter Abhinav Bindra, becoming the country's second individual gold medalist at the Olympics.
Commonwealth Games Glory:
In 2018, at the Gold Coast, Neeraj became the first Indian javelin thrower to clinch gold. He joined an elite group of Indian athletics champions, sharing the platform with legends like Milkha Singh (1958), Krishna Poonia (2010), and Vikas Gowda (2014).
Asian Games Conquest:
Breaking his national record in 2018, Neeraj emerged as the first Indian javelin thrower to secure an Asian Games gold, underlining his supremacy in the sport.
Diamond League Dominance:
Neeraj made headlines with his first Diamond League title win in Lausanne in August 2022. He replicated this success at the same venue, adding a second title to his portfolio. Further enhancing his illustrious track record, Neeraj has gold medals from the Asian Championships (2017), the World U20 Championships (2016), and the South Asian Games (2016) under his belt. Not to be overshadowed, he also grabbed a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.
Neeraj Chopra's Honours and Awards:
The much-coveted Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the pinnacle of India's sports honours, was bestowed upon him in 2021. Neeraj's excellence was recognized with the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2022. On the military front, Chopra, a proud serviceman, was decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2022) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (2020) for his distinguished contributions.
Neeraj Chopra's journey, embroidered with such diverse accolades, truly embodies the spirit of excellence and is a testament to his dedication to his sport.
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