Tokyo 2020 star Neeraj Chopra emerges as most-searched personality on Google by countrymen in 2021

Not many knew or had heard about Neeraj Chopra before his Tokyo 2020 heroics. The star javelin thrower Neerajcreated history by winning a historic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020, which was also India's first-ever Olympic medal in athletics. Since then, there has been no looking back for the 23-year-old and he has become a household name following his resounding success.

Such has been his success story that Neeraj has now emerged as the most-searched personality in Google's year-end list for India in 2021. For the unversed, the javelin thrower had won gold in men's final in Tokyo 2020 courtesya second-round throw of 87.58m. Thus, he also ended India's 100-year wait for a track and field medal in the Olympics.

Talking about the Google's list -- which is predominantly filled with Bollywood celebrities -- PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia and Sushil Kumar were the other three sports personalities to havemade it into the top-10. While Sindhu also returned with a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020, wrestler Bajrang also settled for the same in the 65kg category. On the other hand, the two-time Olympic medallist Sushil's search increased primarily for being the main accused behind the death of a young wrestler Sagar Dhandkar early this year.

Neeraj, on the other hand, has now returned back to training. The youngster has started his off-season training in the USA and recently tweeted saying, "It's time to put the past to rest and focus on the future. Have arrived for my off-season training and look forward to restarting the process of getting better." He added, "Immensely grateful to DG sir, @Media_SAI, the TOPS and @afiindia teams and everyone involved in making this happen."

After a memorable 2021, the javelin thrower will now like to continue in the same manner. However, the journey won't be easy for him, despite making a huge name, due to the pressure of expectations. Thus, it will be interesting to see how the journey unfolds for the talented star from hereon.