PT Usha, Anju Bobby George wish Neeraj Chopra over Olympics gold triumph

George tweeted, "We all are smiling and crying. Thank you for giving us this wonderful moment @Neeraj_chopra1  #TeamIndia @afiindia  #Tokyo2020 #Olympics."

India's legendary athlete PT Usha said: "Realised my unfinished dream today after 37 years. Thank you my son @Neeraj_chopra1."

India's Neeraj Chopra roared in the pages of history as he threw 87.58 metres to clinch the first gold medal ever won by an Indian in the track-and-field event, making the country proud and giving moments of rejoice to a nation which will celebrate Independence Day in the next few days.

Neeraj, who won the Arjuna Award, clinched the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018, creating hopes of Olympic triumph and he did not let the country down.

Neeraj’s fine success was a pleasant surprise for the country. Though everybody expected a podium finish by the former Asian and Commonwealth champion, they were not  sure that it would be a gold. But the young Junior Commissioned Officer of Indian army rose to the occasion to leave behind his superior rivals keeping his cool when it mattered most.

Chopra, who hails from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana threw a best of attempt of 87.58m in the finals to end India's 100-year wait for a track and field medal in the Olympics.

Cool and composed Neeraj cleared a distance of 87.03 metres in his first throw. This was enough to win the gold as none of the other competitors could surpass this distance. But Neeraj  improved his performance further with a throw of 87.58 metre in the second attempt bringing joy and pride to the more than 1.3  billion Indians.

Czech won both the silver and the bronze through J Vadlejch  (85.44m) and V Vasely (85.30 m) respectively.