Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra creates history, wins gold in javelin

He clinched the medal with his monumental throw of 87.58 metres.

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.

This is the first individual gold won by an Indian in the track and fieid event.

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.

He is the first Indian athlete to bring a gold medal for the country in the Olympics.

Neeraj's medal took India’s medal count at Tokyo 2020 to seven - making it their best-ever haul at a single Olympics.

Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch won silver and fellow Czech Vitezslav Vesely won bronze medal.

Earlier, shooter Abhinav Bindra had won the individual gold medal in 2008.

He is the second individual player from India to win a gold medal.

However, he became th first Indian athlete in the past 120 years and the only one from independent India to clinch a gold medal in the track-and-field discipline of the Olympics.

Catch the moment of his throw: 

With this win, India will remember Tokyo 2020 as the best ever Olympics where seven medals, including a gold, was clinched by the players.

Catch the image with his gold medal:

Meanwhile, celebrations have started in India and on the social media as people rejoiced Neeraj's medal triumph.

PM Modi, President Kovind wish:

Indian PM Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind led the nation in congratulating Chopra.

"History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020," Modi tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind wished him and posted: "Unprecedented win by Neeraj Chopra!Your javelin gold breaks barriers and creates history. You bring home first ever track and field medal to India in your first Olympics. Your feat will inspire our youth. India is elated!   Heartiest congratulations!"

What Abhinav Bindra says about Neeraj's performance?

Abhinav Bindra himself tweeted to wish the young Athlete as he said: "And Gold it is for @Neeraj_chopra1 .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you! Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you."

See Neeraj Chopra's old video on Instagram which had gone viral:

 

Image credit: UNI