<p>Neeraj Chopra's recent comments on Pakistani counterpart Arshad Nadeem got blown out of proportion. The golden boy of India opened up on his journey, how he ended at the top in the men's javelin throw final in Tokyo 2020 and also shared his equation with Pakistan's star Nadeem.</p>

<p>During an interaction with Times of India, Neeraj's comments on Nadeem, however, were taken out of context when he said, "I was searching for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly, I saw Arshad Nadeem was moving around with my javelin. Then i told him, ‘Bhai give this javelin to me! I have to throw with it.’ Then he gave it back to me. That’s why you must have seen I took my first throw hurriedly."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon after Neeraj's comments went viral, many started accusing Nadeem for tampering with the Indian athlete's javelin before his first throw in the men's final in Tokyo, Japan. However, Neeraj reacted strongly to all such accusations and even shared a video on Twitter, slamming those who used his words for propaganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Nadeem has also opened up on the controversy.&nbsp;According to a report filed by&nbsp;<em>Arysports. tv,&nbsp;</em>the 24-year-old has reportedly claimed that javelins were provided by the Olympic committee.&nbsp;“Actually, javelins were provided by the Olympic committee. I was practicing with a javelin and Neeraj came to me and said it was his javelin so I gave him,” the Pakistani javelin thrower was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am not sure whether that javelin was provided to the management by India or not. Maybe it was his favourite and he wanted to throw with it. That’s why he came to me and ask for that javelin," he added.</p>

<p>Neeraj won gold for India, the country's first-ever in athletics at an Olympics, whereas Nadeem missed out on a podium-finish, ending at the fifth spot,&nbsp;in the men's javelin throw final&nbsp;in Tokyo.</p>


Neeraj Chopra's recent comments on Pakistani counterpart Arshad Nadeem got blown out of proportion. The golden boy of India opened up on his journey, how he ended at the top in the men's javelin throw final in Tokyo 2020 and also shared his equation with Pakistan's star Nadeem.

Neeraj Chopra's recent comments on Pakistani counterpart Arshad Nadeem got blown out of proportion. The golden boy of India opened up on his journey, how he ended at the top in the men's javelin throw final in Tokyo 2020 and also shared his equation with Pakistan's star Nadeem. During an interaction with Times of India, Neeraj's comments on Nadeem, however, were taken out of context when he said, "I was searching for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly, I saw Arshad Nadeem was moving around with my javelin. Then i told him, ‘Bhai give this javelin to me! I have to throw with it.’ Then he gave it back to me. That’s why you must have seen I took my first throw hurriedly." Soon after Neeraj's comments went viral, many started accusing Nadeem for tampering with the Indian athlete's javelin before his first throw in the men's final in Tokyo, Japan. However, Neeraj reacted strongly to all such accusations and even shared a video on Twitter, slamming those who used his words for propaganda. Now, Nadeem has also opened up on the controversy. According to a report filed by Arysports. tv, the 24-year-old has reportedly claimed that javelins were provided by the Olympic committee. “Actually, javelins were provided by the Olympic committee. I was practicing with a javelin and Neeraj came to me and said it was his javelin so I gave him,” the Pakistani javelin thrower was quoted as saying. “I am not sure whether that javelin was provided to the management by India or not. Maybe it was his favourite and he wanted to throw with it. That’s why he came to me and ask for that javelin," he added. Neeraj won gold for India, the country's first-ever in athletics at an Olympics, whereas Nadeem missed out on a podium-finish, ending at the fifth spot, in the men's javelin throw final in Tokyo.

Neeraj Chopra told me it was his: Arshad Nadeem reacts to javelin controversy at Tokyo 2020

Neeraj Chopra etched his name in sporting history by becoming only India's second individual Olympic Gold Medalist. The Javelin ace will no longer compete in the 2021 season, but there are three major events to look forward to in 2022. Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with World Athletics Chief Lord Sebastian Coe to discuss the impact of Chopra's achievement on Indian sport and the 23-year-old's immediate future.

WION Exclusive: World Athletics Chief Lord Coe on Neeraj Chopra's gold

<p>Sebastian Coe, Britain's legendary Olympian and the president of World Athletics spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo on Neeraj Chopra's win at Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-pci-chief-deepa-malik-elated-as-paddler-bhavina-assures-india-medal-408845" hreflang="en">Tokyo Paralympics: PCI chief Deepa Malik elated as paddler Bhavina assures India medal</a></p>

<p>During the interview, Sebastian Coe revealed that he was emotional when Neeraj Chopra won the Gold in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was emotional, my grandfather was Indian, my mother was born in Delhi so I have strong Indian heritage and family living in India. So for me that (Neeraj Chopra winning gold) was a really important moment. I recognise that not just important for Indian sports, but emotionally it was important for me aswell," Sebastian Coe said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time Olympic Gold medalist was further asked if he could give a piece of advice to&nbsp;Neeraj Chopra. To which he replied: "It is very important that he remains grounded and that he remains present and that he continues to do all the things in the environment that he has done them that has proven so successful to him and Indian sports."</p>

<p>"He doesn't have long to wait for a World Championship, he literally has a few months because next year we will already have world championships in Eugene and that is I am sure is somewhere he will hope he is able to shine. It is a new stadium and it will be a fantastic championships. But he also has to (play in) Commonwealth Games next year as well. So there is an awful lot for him to look forward to," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coe was hopeful that Chopra could build on the thought that he can win at the highest level. He went on to add that Neeraj Chopra's win at the Olympics will give other Indian athletes, irrespective of their events, the "confidence and belief" to achieve what he has done and win an Olympic title for India.&nbsp;</p>


Sebastian Coe, Britain's legendary Olympian and the president of World Athletics spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo on Neeraj Chopra's win at Tokyo 2020.

Sebastian Coe, Britain's legendary Olympian and the president of World Athletics spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo on Neeraj Chopra's win at Tokyo 2020. ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: PCI chief Deepa Malik elated as paddler Bhavina assures India medal During the interview, Sebastian Coe revealed that he was emotional when Neeraj Chopra won the Gold in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo Olympics. "I was emotional, my grandfather was Indian, my mother was born in Delhi so I have strong Indian heritage and family living in India. So for me that (Neeraj Chopra winning gold) was a really important moment. I recognise that not just important for Indian sports, but emotionally it was important for me aswell," Sebastian Coe said. The two-time Olympic Gold medalist was further asked if he could give a piece of advice to Neeraj Chopra. To which he replied: "It is very important that he remains grounded and that he remains present and that he continues to do all the things in the environment that he has done them that has proven so successful to him and Indian sports." "He doesn't have long to wait for a World Championship, he literally has a few months because next year we will already have world championships in Eugene and that is I am sure is somewhere he will hope he is able to shine. It is a new stadium and it will be a fantastic championships. But he also has to (play in) Commonwealth Games next year as well. So there is an awful lot for him to look forward to," he added. Coe was hopeful that Chopra could build on the thought that he can win at the highest level. He went on to add that Neeraj Chopra's win at the Olympics will give other Indian athletes, irrespective of their events, the "confidence and belief" to achieve what he has done and win an Olympic title for India.

WION EXCLUSIVE: 'I was emotional': World Athletics president Sebastian Coe on Neeraj Chopra winning Gold

<p>Golden boy Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he won India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics during&nbsp;the Tokyo Games, in Japan. However, the 23-year-old javelin thrower has decided to end his 2021 season citing 'packed schedule and bout of illness'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Olympic gold medallist took to his official Instagram handle and shared a heartfelt post, revealing his decision. He wrote, "The packed schedule of travel and a bout of illness has meant I have not been able to resume training since Tokyo....therefore, along with my team, have decided to cut short by 2021 competition season to be able to take some time off, recharge and come back stronger for a packed 2022 calendar which includes the World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Firstly, I want to thank everyone for the love and affection I have received since I came back from Tokyo. I have honestly been overwhelmed by the support from across the country and beyond, and am short of words to express my gratitude to you all. I have been encouraged by all the support to Indian athletics over these past few weeks and would urge you all to keep supporting India and Indian athletics in the months and years to come."</p>

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<p>Following Neeraj's golden run in Tokyo 2020, the youngster has been flooded with interviews and various other commitments, leaving him completely exhausted. For the unversed, he also suffered a bout of illness since his return to India, prompting him to end his 2021 season.</p>

<p>The youngster would be highly motivated following his memorable show in his first-ever Olympic appearance. He will now be desperate to move ahead in a similar stead and triumph over all the challenges that await&nbsp;him in 2022.</p>


Golden boy Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he won India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics during the Tokyo Games, in Japan.

Golden boy Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he won India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics during the Tokyo Games, in Japan. However, the 23-year-old javelin thrower has decided to end his 2021 season citing 'packed schedule and bout of illness'. The Olympic gold medallist took to his official Instagram handle and shared a heartfelt post, revealing his decision. He wrote, "The packed schedule of travel and a bout of illness has meant I have not been able to resume training since Tokyo....therefore, along with my team, have decided to cut short by 2021 competition season to be able to take some time off, recharge and come back stronger for a packed 2022 calendar which includes the World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games." He added, "Firstly, I want to thank everyone for the love and affection I have received since I came back from Tokyo. I have honestly been overwhelmed by the support from across the country and beyond, and am short of words to express my gratitude to you all. I have been encouraged by all the support to Indian athletics over these past few weeks and would urge you all to keep supporting India and Indian athletics in the months and years to come." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neeraj Chopra (@neeraj____chopra) × Following Neeraj's golden run in Tokyo 2020, the youngster has been flooded with interviews and various other commitments, leaving him completely exhausted. For the unversed, he also suffered a bout of illness since his return to India, prompting him to end his 2021 season. The youngster would be highly motivated following his memorable show in his first-ever Olympic appearance. He will now be desperate to move ahead in a similar stead and triumph over all the challenges that await him in 2022.

Neeraj Chopra ends season citing 'packed schedule and bout of illness', vows for more success in 2022

<p>Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he secured gold for the country in men's javelin throw final in the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj's gold was India's first-ever Olympic medal in athletics and, since then, he has been&nbsp; a fan favourite. He has been sharing his thoughts on his journey and how he secured a top spot on the podium in his first-ever Olympics.</p>

<p>During his recent interview with TOI, Neeraj stated how Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem was seen moving around his javelin in the final. He had stated, "I was searching for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly, I saw Arshad Nadeem was moving around with my javelin. Then i told him, ‘Bhai give this javelin to me! I have to throw with it.’ Then he gave it back to me. That’s why you must have seen I took my first throw hurriedly."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Neeraj's comments were blown out of proportion as many believed that his Pakistani counterpart Nadeem was tampering with his javelin. Now, the 23-year-old Neeraj has come out and defended Nadeem, while slamming others for using his comments for propaganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neeraj shared a video from his official Twitter handle and said, "Arshad Nadeem was not tampering with my javelin. He was just practicing for his throw, and nothing else. We keep our personal javelin during the event and anyone can use it. There is no specific rule about it. I would request everyone to please not use me and my comments as a medium to further your vested interests and propaganda."</p>

<p>“Sports teaches us to be together and united. I'm extremely disappointed to see some of the reactions from the public on my recent comments,” he added.</p>

<p>Here's Neeraj's video where he has appealed one and all to not promote unnecessary&nbsp;propaganda -</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मेरी आप सभी से विनती है की मेरे comments को अपने गंदे एजेंडा को आगे बढ़ाने का माध्यम न बनाए। Sports हम सबको एकजूट होकर साथ रहना सिखाता हैं और कमेंट करने से पहले खेल के रूल्स जानना जरूरी होता है <a href="https://t.co/RLv96FZTd2">pic.twitter.com/RLv96FZTd2</a></p>
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1/status/1430816302415843331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his same interaction with TOI, Neeraj has&nbsp;backed Nadeem to continue to march ahead and succeed in the upcoming events. He even urged the people of Pakistan to support their star athlete, who ended at the fifth position in the men's javelin throw final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Neeraj's second throw, of 87.58m, ensured him a gold medal in what was his maiden Olympic appearance.</p>


Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he secured gold for the country in men's javelin throw final in the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj's gold was India's first-ever Olympic medal in athletics and, since then, he has been a fan favourite.

Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he secured gold for the country in men's javelin throw final in the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj's gold was India's first-ever Olympic medal in athletics and, since then, he has been a fan favourite. He has been sharing his thoughts on his journey and how he secured a top spot on the podium in his first-ever Olympics. During his recent interview with TOI, Neeraj stated how Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem was seen moving around his javelin in the final. He had stated, "I was searching for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly, I saw Arshad Nadeem was moving around with my javelin. Then i told him, ‘Bhai give this javelin to me! I have to throw with it.’ Then he gave it back to me. That’s why you must have seen I took my first throw hurriedly." However, Neeraj's comments were blown out of proportion as many believed that his Pakistani counterpart Nadeem was tampering with his javelin. Now, the 23-year-old Neeraj has come out and defended Nadeem, while slamming others for using his comments for propaganda. Neeraj shared a video from his official Twitter handle and said, "Arshad Nadeem was not tampering with my javelin. He was just practicing for his throw, and nothing else. We keep our personal javelin during the event and anyone can use it. There is no specific rule about it. I would request everyone to please not use me and my comments as a medium to further your vested interests and propaganda." “Sports teaches us to be together and united. I'm extremely disappointed to see some of the reactions from the public on my recent comments,” he added. Here's Neeraj's video where he has appealed one and all to not promote unnecessary propaganda - मेरी आप सभी से विनती है की मेरे comments को अपने गंदे एजेंडा को आगे बढ़ाने का माध्यम न बनाए। Sports हम सबको एकजूट होकर साथ रहना सिखाता हैं और कमेंट करने से पहले खेल के रूल्स जानना जरूरी होता है pic.twitter.com/RLv96FZTd2 — Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 26, 2021 × In his same interaction with TOI, Neeraj has backed Nadeem to continue to march ahead and succeed in the upcoming events. He even urged the people of Pakistan to support their star athlete, who ended at the fifth position in the men's javelin throw final. On the other hand, Neeraj's second throw, of 87.58m, ensured him a gold medal in what was his maiden Olympic appearance.

Arshad Nadeem wasn't tampering with my javelin, don't use my comments for propaganda: Neeraj Chopra defends Pakistan's star

<p>Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he scripted history by winning India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics. The 23-year-old won gold in the men's javelin throw final in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which concluded on August 8 in Japan.</p>

<p>Since then, he remains the heartthrob of the nation and has been sharing his journey on how he secured a top-spot finish at the podium in Tokyo 2020. The javelin thrower has been in the news&nbsp;and was felicitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and many other private companies following his sparkling performance in his first-ever Olympic appearance.</p>

<p>Neeraj created history with his best throw, i.e. which came in his second attempt, of 87.58m during the men's javelin throw final. All eyes weren't only on Neeraj during the finale, but Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem was also expected to come good and end in the top 3. However, Nadeem finished in the fifth place, with a throw of 84.62m, missing out on a podium finish.</p>

<p>Speaking on his interaction with Nadeem, Neeraj told TOI in an interview, "The story is that I was searching for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly I saw Arshad Nadeem was moving around with my javelin. Then I told him, ‘Bhai give this javelin to me, it is my javelin! I have to throw with it’. Then he gave it back to me."</p>

<p>He lauded Nadeem and added, "Arshad Nadeem gave a really good performance in the qualifying round as well as the final. I think it is good for Pakistan, they have a chance to show more interest in javelin and do well at the international stage in the future.&nbsp;My message to the people across the border will be: Support Arshad Nadeem. He has given an identity to Pakistan in javelin throw and&nbsp;needs your support."</p>

<p>For the unversed, Nadeem became the first-ever Pakistani to qualify for the final of any track and field events in the history of Olympics.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he scripted history by winning India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics. The 23-year-old won gold in the men's javelin throw final in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which concluded on August 8 in Japan.

Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he scripted history by winning India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics. The 23-year-old won gold in the men's javelin throw final in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which concluded on August 8 in Japan. Since then, he remains the heartthrob of the nation and has been sharing his journey on how he secured a top-spot finish at the podium in Tokyo 2020. The javelin thrower has been in the news and was felicitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and many other private companies following his sparkling performance in his first-ever Olympic appearance. Neeraj created history with his best throw, i.e. which came in his second attempt, of 87.58m during the men's javelin throw final. All eyes weren't only on Neeraj during the finale, but Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem was also expected to come good and end in the top 3. However, Nadeem finished in the fifth place, with a throw of 84.62m, missing out on a podium finish. Speaking on his interaction with Nadeem, Neeraj told TOI in an interview, "The story is that I was searching for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly I saw Arshad Nadeem was moving around with my javelin. Then I told him, ‘Bhai give this javelin to me, it is my javelin! I have to throw with it’. Then he gave it back to me." He lauded Nadeem and added, "Arshad Nadeem gave a really good performance in the qualifying round as well as the final. I think it is good for Pakistan, they have a chance to show more interest in javelin and do well at the international stage in the future. My message to the people across the border will be: Support Arshad Nadeem. He has given an identity to Pakistan in javelin throw and needs your support." For the unversed, Nadeem became the first-ever Pakistani to qualify for the final of any track and field events in the history of Olympics.

'Given them identity in javelin': Gold-medalist Neeraj Chopra urges Pakistan to back Arshad Nadeem post Tokyo 2020

<p>Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra congratulated Anju Bobby George for her 'mentorship and guidance' to Shaili Singh after the 17-year-old long jumper bagged silver in the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi on Sunday.</p>

<p>Shaili jumped 6.59m in the third attempt registering her best show in the event to bag the silver while Sweden's Maja Askag won gold with a jump of 6.60m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's Mariia Horielova managed to settle with bronze by recording 6.50m.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/long-jumper-shaili-singh-misses-gold-by-1cm-settles-for-silver-in-u-20-world-athletics-championships-407726">Long jumper Shaili Singh misses gold by 1cm, settles for silver in U-20 World Athletics Championships</a></strong></p>

<p>"Many congratulations, Shaili! You came so close to Gold today, and I'm sure you have a long way to go Congratulations to @anjubobbygeorg1 ma'am for your mentorship and guidance to Shaili," Neeraj Chopra tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Many congratulations, Shaili! You came so close to Gold today, and I'm sure you have a long way to go 💪🏾<br />
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/anjubobbygeorg1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anjubobbygeorg1</a> ma'am for your mentorship and guidance to Shaili 🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/05W7FPBfsV">https://t.co/05W7FPBfsV</a></p>
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1/status/1429467887803113477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shaili joined the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in 2017 as a 14-year-old after being spotted by Robert Bobby George, who helped Anju Bobby George to India's lone senior athletics Worlds medal in 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The youngster has since grown leaps and bounds, breaking the junior national record multiple times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was India's third medal in the showpiece event having already won bronze in the 4x400m mixed relay team event on Wednesday and silver by Amit Khatri in the 10,000m racewalking event on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jumping first in the final, the Indian athlete registered an identical 6.34m in the first two attempts. Shaili then made a huge improvement with a 6.59m in her 3rd jump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wind assistance of +2.2m/s was registered along with that attempt but it took her to the top of the standings, going into the final three attempts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Triple jump champion Maja Askag soon gave her personal best in the 4th attempt and moved into the lead with 6.60m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Shaili's 4th and 5th attempt was an X. In her last attempt, the Indian didn't manage to better her 3rd attempt, as Swedish Maja Askag won gold by a mere difference of 1 cm.&nbsp;</p>


Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra congratulated Anju Bobby George for her 'mentorship and guidance' to Shaili Singh after the 17-year-old long jumper bagged silver in the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi on Sunday.

Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra congratulated Anju Bobby George for her 'mentorship and guidance' to Shaili Singh after the 17-year-old long jumper bagged silver in the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi on Sunday. Shaili jumped 6.59m in the third attempt registering her best show in the event to bag the silver while Sweden's Maja Askag won gold with a jump of 6.60m. Ukraine's Mariia Horielova managed to settle with bronze by recording 6.50m. ALSO READ | Long jumper Shaili Singh misses gold by 1cm, settles for silver in U-20 World Athletics Championships "Many congratulations, Shaili! You came so close to Gold today, and I'm sure you have a long way to go Congratulations to @anjubobbygeorg1 ma'am for your mentorship and guidance to Shaili," Neeraj Chopra tweeted. Many congratulations, Shaili! You came so close to Gold today, and I'm sure you have a long way to go 💪🏾 Congratulations to @anjubobbygeorg1 ma'am for your mentorship and guidance to Shaili 🙏🏽 https://t.co/05W7FPBfsV — Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 22, 2021 × Shaili joined the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in 2017 as a 14-year-old after being spotted by Robert Bobby George, who helped Anju Bobby George to India's lone senior athletics Worlds medal in 2003. The youngster has since grown leaps and bounds, breaking the junior national record multiple times. This was India's third medal in the showpiece event having already won bronze in the 4x400m mixed relay team event on Wednesday and silver by Amit Khatri in the 10,000m racewalking event on Saturday. Jumping first in the final, the Indian athlete registered an identical 6.34m in the first two attempts. Shaili then made a huge improvement with a 6.59m in her 3rd jump. Wind assistance of +2.2m/s was registered along with that attempt but it took her to the top of the standings, going into the final three attempts. Triple jump champion Maja Askag soon gave her personal best in the 4th attempt and moved into the lead with 6.60m. Meanwhile, Shaili's 4th and 5th attempt was an X. In her last attempt, the Indian didn't manage to better her 3rd attempt, as Swedish Maja Askag won gold by a mere difference of 1 cm.

Neeraj Chopra congratulates Anju Bobby George for her 'mentorship and guidance' to Shaili Singh

<p>Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Sunday felicitated the Tokyo Olympics medalists Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Ravi Dahiya, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia and the Indian men`s hockey team in Delhi.</p>

<p>The IOA chief Narinder Batra, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, and MoS Sports Nisith Pramanik were present at the event.</p>

<p>"Let me first congratulate and thank all the medal winners who qualified, participated, and won the medals for India. A very big thank you to all of you. You have made India proud," Anurag Thakur said while addressing the athletes during the felicitation program.</p>

<p>Office of Anurag Thakur on Twitter wrote: "Union Minister @ianuragthakur felicitated Indian Olympic Medalists at a program organised by the Indian Olympic Association."</p>

<p>The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) awarded Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra, with a cash award of Rs 75 lakh. Meanwhile, wrestler Ravi Dahiya and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu received Rs 50 lakh each for their silver in Tokyo.</p>

<p>The bronze medallists shuttler PV Sindhu, boxer Lovlina Borgohain, and wrestler Bajrang Punia received Rs 25 lakh. The bronze-medal winning men`s hockey team got Rs 10 lakh for each member. Earlier, the thirty-two Olympic winners, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, India`s first-ever Gold Medallist in track and field, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu along with two officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) attended the 75th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>


Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Sunday felicitated the Tokyo Olympics medalists Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Ravi Dahiya, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia and the Indian men`s hockey team in Delhi.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Sunday felicitated the Tokyo Olympics medalists Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Ravi Dahiya, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia and the Indian men`s hockey team in Delhi. The IOA chief Narinder Batra, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, and MoS Sports Nisith Pramanik were present at the event. "Let me first congratulate and thank all the medal winners who qualified, participated, and won the medals for India. A very big thank you to all of you. You have made India proud," Anurag Thakur said while addressing the athletes during the felicitation program. Office of Anurag Thakur on Twitter wrote: "Union Minister @ianuragthakur felicitated Indian Olympic Medalists at a program organised by the Indian Olympic Association." The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) awarded Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra, with a cash award of Rs 75 lakh. Meanwhile, wrestler Ravi Dahiya and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu received Rs 50 lakh each for their silver in Tokyo. The bronze medallists shuttler PV Sindhu, boxer Lovlina Borgohain, and wrestler Bajrang Punia received Rs 25 lakh. The bronze-medal winning men`s hockey team got Rs 10 lakh for each member. Earlier, the thirty-two Olympic winners, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, India`s first-ever Gold Medallist in track and field, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu along with two officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) attended the 75th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Sunday.

IOA felicitates Tokyo Olympics medal winners

<p>India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra moved up 14 places to become World No. 2 as per the latest World Athletics Men's Javelin Rankings (as of 10 August 2021).</p>

<p>Neeraj won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, leading India to its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a mammoth 87.58m throw, the 23-year-old Chopra clinched India's maiden Olympics athletics. He became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the world ranking, Neeraj gained a whopping 14 places to occupy the second spot in the men's javelin throw. He was at 16 before the Tokyo Games with an average performance score of 1224.</p>

<p>However, as per the latest ranking, Chopra is now at the second spot with 1315 average performance score behind German Johannes Vetter (1396).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopras-brand-value-is-second-to-virat-kohli-after-winning-gold-at-tokyo-olympics-404681">Neeraj Chopra's brand value is second to Virat Kohli after winning Gold at Tokyo Olympics</a></strong></p>

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<p>Chopra collected 1296 performance points for topping the Olympic qualification round on August 4 and 1559 points for winning the gold in the final. Three other events of this year — Federation Cup, Indian Grand Prix-3 and Kuortane Games (Finland) — where he had come up with big throws were also considered in the ranking process.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-neeraj-chopras-javelin-throw-that-won-india-its-first-ever-athletics-gold-watch-403719">Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH</a></p>

<p>Marcin Krukowski of Poland was third in the latest world rankings with an average performance score of 1302 and Tokyo Olympics silver winner Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic was fourth with a score of 1298.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra moved up 14 places to become World No. 2 as per the latest World Athletics Men's Javelin Rankings (as of 10 August 2021). Neeraj won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, leading India to its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals.

India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra moved up 14 places to become World No. 2 as per the latest World Athletics Men's Javelin Rankings (as of 10 August 2021). Neeraj won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, leading India to its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals. With a mammoth 87.58m throw, the 23-year-old Chopra clinched India's maiden Olympics athletics. He became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. In the world ranking, Neeraj gained a whopping 14 places to occupy the second spot in the men's javelin throw. He was at 16 before the Tokyo Games with an average performance score of 1224. However, as per the latest ranking, Chopra is now at the second spot with 1315 average performance score behind German Johannes Vetter (1396). ALSO READ | Neeraj Chopra's brand value is second to Virat Kohli after winning Gold at Tokyo Olympics × Chopra collected 1296 performance points for topping the Olympic qualification round on August 4 and 1559 points for winning the gold in the final. Three other events of this year — Federation Cup, Indian Grand Prix-3 and Kuortane Games (Finland) — where he had come up with big throws were also considered in the ranking process. ALSO READ: Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH Marcin Krukowski of Poland was third in the latest world rankings with an average performance score of 1302 and Tokyo Olympics silver winner Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic was fourth with a score of 1298. (with inputs from agencies)

Neeraj Chopra jumps 14 places to 2nd in world rankings after historic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics

<p>India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has scripted history in Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold medal for India. His monstrous throw in the second round proved too good for other javelin throwers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-neeraj-chopras-javelin-throw-that-won-india-its-first-ever-athletics-gold-watch-403719">Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH</a></p>

<p>After winning gold, he has become the centre of attention of several big brands. These big companies are coming forward to support top athletes after India's stunning performance in the Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parth Jindal, who is the founder of IIS and JSW Sports, said in an interview to a leading portal that Neeraj Chopra&nbsp;now has commanding endorsement value which is just second to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have over 20 different corporates who are supporting Inspire Institute of Sports run by JSW Sports, and I received phone calls from several of our supporters saying that they would like to double their efforts because of the kind of work that's going on and the kind of results we have seen,” Jindal said in an interview&nbsp;to ET NOW.</p>

<p>“The road is very long but I’m sure a lot of improvement will be done. A conservative estimate for Paris 2024 would be to double the Tokyo tally and to get to 14 medals and an optimistic target would be 20 medals. &nbsp;Now, there is a reason why I say that, India was very competitive and coming up the ranks in wrestling, table tennis, archery, women's hockey, golf, etc. The number of top 10 finishes is really heartwarming and we should eye 20 medals,” Jindal added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin event.</p>


India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has scripted history in Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold medal for India.

India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has scripted history in Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold medal for India. His monstrous throw in the second round proved too good for other javelin throwers. ALSO READ: Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH After winning gold, he has become the centre of attention of several big brands. These big companies are coming forward to support top athletes after India's stunning performance in the Olympics. Parth Jindal, who is the founder of IIS and JSW Sports, said in an interview to a leading portal that Neeraj Chopra now has commanding endorsement value which is just second to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli. “We have over 20 different corporates who are supporting Inspire Institute of Sports run by JSW Sports, and I received phone calls from several of our supporters saying that they would like to double their efforts because of the kind of work that's going on and the kind of results we have seen,” Jindal said in an interview to ET NOW. “The road is very long but I’m sure a lot of improvement will be done. A conservative estimate for Paris 2024 would be to double the Tokyo tally and to get to 14 medals and an optimistic target would be 20 medals. Now, there is a reason why I say that, India was very competitive and coming up the ranks in wrestling, table tennis, archery, women's hockey, golf, etc. The number of top 10 finishes is really heartwarming and we should eye 20 medals,” Jindal added. Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin event.

Neeraj Chopra's brand value is second to Virat Kohli after winning Gold at Tokyo Olympics

<p>Neeraj Chopra's soaring javelin earned India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. The Indian contingent is returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the country's biggest Games haul ever.</p>

<p>For decades, India’s quest at the Olympics has faced one major hurdle: the massive gap between the nation’s thirst for sporting glory and the number of medals won.</p>

<p>With 126 athletes across 18 sports disciplines, India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across disciplines, the highest ever for the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/this-is-indias-best-ever-rank-finish-in-tokyo-olympics-since-1980-check-out-complete-standings-403943">This is India's best ever rank-finish in Olympics since 1980 - check out complete standings</a></strong></p>

<p>India's best-ever Olympics show came despite an underwhelming performance from the shooters, usually the most consistent athletes in recent Games.</p>

<p>While boxing was also expected to bring more than a single bronze medal, there were also a few near-hits: the valiant efforts of the women's hockey team, Aditi Ashok in women's golf and Deepak Punia in men's freestyle 86kg wrestling.</p>

<p>Particularly satisfying were the exploits of India's women in blue in hockey, a game they once dominated with clinical ruthlessness.</p>

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<p>The women's team were lauded as superstars with their fourth spot while a euphoric India celebrated the country's first hockey medal in 41 years, hoping the hard-earned men's bronze would help them to regain their past glory.</p>

<p>The most successful hockey nation in Olympic history, with eight men's titles, India had not won a medal since the 1980 Moscow Games when they topped the podium.</p>

<p>Chopra's gold on the penultimate day of the Tokyo Games ensured that all was not lost for the Olympians, who are dwarfed by the country's cricket stars when it comes to sponsorship, infrastructure, training, and popularity.</p>

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<p>Abhinav Bindra, whose 10-metre air rifle triumph at the 2008 Games was India's lone gold medal previously, summed up the enormity of Chopra's success.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And Gold it is for <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you!<br />
Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you.</p>
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1423979585834680329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>As we celebrate this marvelous week in Indian sporting history, let's also take some time out to plan the road ahead. How do we keep the medals coming?</p>

<p><b>Funds are the lifeline</b></p>

<p>In the Olympics, as in life, the rich get it all. The countries who bring home the most gold have historically enjoyed the most wealth to begin with. There are three key areas here:</p>

<p>-- The first is infrastructure. Pools, sail boats and modern gyms are expensive. And the facilities required to produce the world's greatest athletes in dozens of sports every four years is a costly undertaking that is unlikely to be found in a developing country.</p>

<p>-- The second is talent magnetism. For both coaches and players, talent works in clusters. Developing countries produce some exceptional athletes, but families looking to get their talented child ahead in life might be more likely to migrate to richer economies.</p>

<p>-- The third is earned success. A survey by&nbsp;Goldman Sachs<b>&nbsp;</b>suggests that the nature of democratic institutions encourage and spotlight exceptional human achievement at a "fundamental level."</p>

<p>The impact of COVID-19 was felt on the sports budget of India when the central government allocated Rs 2596.14 crore or 25.96 billion&nbsp;to the sports budget for the financial year 2021-22, a reduction of Rs 230.78 crore or 2.3 billion, when compared to the amount,&nbsp;earmarked initially for the previous year.</p>

<p><b>Infrastructure</b></p>

<p>India needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders.</p>

<p>With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve.</p>

<p><b>Coaching structure at grass-root level</b></p>

<p>Coaches can create champions. There are many talents, but only a coach can develop a talented athlete into a champion. The coaches should have a good IQ, they need to have knowledge about the sport and other qualities like a sharp memory. It is not that anybody can become a coach or any champion athlete can become a coach.</p>

<p>We need extra talent in our coaching system. In India, our athletes are more experienced than our coaches, in several cases.</p>

<p>The coaches should refresh their knowledge every six months. As the science of sports is evolving, so are skills related to coaching. The good coaches will keep themselves up-to-date like a smartphone.</p>

<p><b>Culture and tradition</b></p>

<p>Even when people excel in sport, they are often discouraged from pursuing it to top levels, by their families and wider community.</p>

<p>Social stratification that prevented people of different cultural, social and class backgrounds from playing sports together may have contributed at least to a small extent in discouraging many from pursuing certain sports.</p>

<p>There is a saying in Hindi, India's National language: 'Kheloge kudoge to honge kharab, padhoge likhoge to banoge nawab'. This translates to 'your life will be a waste if you play but if you study or do well in academics you will be a king.'</p>

<p>The privileged of India had never placed any value on sports or adventure, often glorifying intellectual achievements over physical ones.</p>

<p>Physical labour and activities were always meant for lower strata of society. The elite of India never placed a premium on adventure or sports.</p>

<p>This cultural conditioning reflects in the way the schools and parents treat sports. The first thing to get banned for many children when they reach the 10th or 12th grade in school is their participation in sports.</p>

<p>Both India as a country and its citizens as individuals have other priorities.</p>

<p>Besides the system, the five most important aspects are: sports science, sports medicine, mental conditioning, improving our coaching structure and data analysis.</p>

<p><b>Correlation between sports and nationalism</b></p>

<p>There is a correlation between Olympic medals and countries that are run by strong central governments interested in fostering national prestige.</p>

<p>Cuba, North Korea and China and once upon a time the Soviet Union invested heavily in finding and fostering competitive athletes as part of their national ambitions.</p>

<p><b>Flipside: Athletes' lives after achievements</b></p>

<p>The medal count and stacks of cash is a dramatic turnaround for Indian sport. India won just two silvers at the 2016 Rio Olympics and athletes have long complained about the lack of resources put into their training. But often we hear tragic stories of former sportsmen and women ending up in dire financial conditions.</p>

<p>Many former sports heroes fell into poverty after finishing their athletic career and have needed help from foundations such as one run by cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar.</p>

<p>Keshav Chandra Datt, a double Olympic hockey gold winner who recently died aged 95, was one of 19 former sports internationals given monthly cash allowances by Gavaskar's The Champs Foundation.</p>

<p><b>Corruption: The silent sports killer</b></p>

<p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended India for electing officials accused of corruption in 2012, in breach of the Olympic charter. However, the ban was lifted after new officials were elected.</p>

<p>The Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi were the first major, multi-discipline event that India has hosted since the Asian Games in 1982.</p>

<p>However, they were marred by the corruption scandal of around Rs 70,000 crore or 700 billion.</p>

<p>Sports federations need to be cleansed of power-hungry officials and politicians. Those interested in the development of the sport, not self or pelf are needed. They must be made thoroughly accountable for how the money is being spent.</p>

<p><b>Cricket is not the only sport in India</b></p>

<p>If Tokyo Olympics 2020 has taught the nation anything, it is that cricket is not the only sport in India.</p>

<p>Cricket became a national obsession following India’s surprise victory in the 1983 World Cup while interest in other sports dwindled for lack of success in the international arena.</p>

<p>India has the largest global television cricket audience but, with the world’s fastest-growing major economy after China, is attracting interest from other spectator sports keen to tap into the market, including soccer, Formula One and golf.</p>

<p>When it comes to Olympics, India has a long way to go, but this year's Tokyo Games was a turning point for several sports as well as women in sports.</p>

<p>Here is hoping that Paris Olympics will witness a better medal haul by Team India.</p>

<p>And the good news is, it's just three years away, not four.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>


Neeraj Chopra's soaring javelin earned India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. The Indian contingent is returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the country's biggest Games haul ever.

Neeraj Chopra's soaring javelin earned India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. The Indian contingent is returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the country's biggest Games haul ever. For decades, India’s quest at the Olympics has faced one major hurdle: the massive gap between the nation’s thirst for sporting glory and the number of medals won. With 126 athletes across 18 sports disciplines, India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across disciplines, the highest ever for the country. Also see | This is India's best ever rank-finish in Olympics since 1980 - check out complete standings India's best-ever Olympics show came despite an underwhelming performance from the shooters, usually the most consistent athletes in recent Games. While boxing was also expected to bring more than a single bronze medal, there were also a few near-hits: the valiant efforts of the women's hockey team, Aditi Ashok in women's golf and Deepak Punia in men's freestyle 86kg wrestling. Particularly satisfying were the exploits of India's women in blue in hockey, a game they once dominated with clinical ruthlessness. The women's team were lauded as superstars with their fourth spot while a euphoric India celebrated the country's first hockey medal in 41 years, hoping the hard-earned men's bronze would help them to regain their past glory. The most successful hockey nation in Olympic history, with eight men's titles, India had not won a medal since the 1980 Moscow Games when they topped the podium. Chopra's gold on the penultimate day of the Tokyo Games ensured that all was not lost for the Olympians, who are dwarfed by the country's cricket stars when it comes to sponsorship, infrastructure, training, and popularity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Olympic Games (@olympics) Abhinav Bindra, whose 10-metre air rifle triumph at the 2008 Games was India's lone gold medal previously, summed up the enormity of Chopra's success. 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. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 7, 2021 × As we celebrate this marvelous week in Indian sporting history, let's also take some time out to plan the road ahead. How do we keep the medals coming? Funds are the lifeline In the Olympics, as in life, the rich get it all. The countries who bring home the most gold have historically enjoyed the most wealth to begin with. There are three key areas here: -- The first is infrastructure. Pools, sail boats and modern gyms are expensive. And the facilities required to produce the world's greatest athletes in dozens of sports every four years is a costly undertaking that is unlikely to be found in a developing country. -- The second is talent magnetism. For both coaches and players, talent works in clusters. Developing countries produce some exceptional athletes, but families looking to get their talented child ahead in life might be more likely to migrate to richer economies. -- The third is earned success. A survey by Goldman Sachs suggests that the nature of democratic institutions encourage and spotlight exceptional human achievement at a "fundamental level." The impact of COVID-19 was felt on the sports budget of India when the central government allocated Rs 2596.14 crore or 25.96 billion to the sports budget for the financial year 2021-22, a reduction of Rs 230.78 crore or 2.3 billion, when compared to the amount, earmarked initially for the previous year. Infrastructure India needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders. With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve. Coaching structure at grass-root level Coaches can create champions. There are many talents, but only a coach can develop a talented athlete into a champion. The coaches should have a good IQ, they need to have knowledge about the sport and other qualities like a sharp memory. It is not that anybody can become a coach or any champion athlete can become a coach. We need extra talent in our coaching system. In India, our athletes are more experienced than our coaches, in several cases. The coaches should refresh their knowledge every six months. As the science of sports is evolving, so are skills related to coaching. The good coaches will keep themselves up-to-date like a smartphone. Culture and tradition Even when people excel in sport, they are often discouraged from pursuing it to top levels, by their families and wider community. Social stratification that prevented people of different cultural, social and class backgrounds from playing sports together may have contributed at least to a small extent in discouraging many from pursuing certain sports. There is a saying in Hindi, India's National language: 'Kheloge kudoge to honge kharab, padhoge likhoge to banoge nawab'. This translates to 'your life will be a waste if you play but if you study or do well in academics you will be a king.' The privileged of India had never placed any value on sports or adventure, often glorifying intellectual achievements over physical ones. Physical labour and activities were always meant for lower strata of society. The elite of India never placed a premium on adventure or sports. This cultural conditioning reflects in the way the schools and parents treat sports. The first thing to get banned for many children when they reach the 10th or 12th grade in school is their participation in sports. Both India as a country and its citizens as individuals have other priorities. Besides the system, the five most important aspects are: sports science, sports medicine, mental conditioning, improving our coaching structure and data analysis. Correlation between sports and nationalism There is a correlation between Olympic medals and countries that are run by strong central governments interested in fostering national prestige. Cuba, North Korea and China and once upon a time the Soviet Union invested heavily in finding and fostering competitive athletes as part of their national ambitions. Flipside: Athletes' lives after achievements The medal count and stacks of cash is a dramatic turnaround for Indian sport. India won just two silvers at the 2016 Rio Olympics and athletes have long complained about the lack of resources put into their training. But often we hear tragic stories of former sportsmen and women ending up in dire financial conditions. Many former sports heroes fell into poverty after finishing their athletic career and have needed help from foundations such as one run by cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar. Keshav Chandra Datt, a double Olympic hockey gold winner who recently died aged 95, was one of 19 former sports internationals given monthly cash allowances by Gavaskar's The Champs Foundation. Corruption: The silent sports killer The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended India for electing officials accused of corruption in 2012, in breach of the Olympic charter. However, the ban was lifted after new officials were elected. The Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi were the first major, multi-discipline event that India has hosted since the Asian Games in 1982. However, they were marred by the corruption scandal of around Rs 70,000 crore or 700 billion. Sports federations need to be cleansed of power-hungry officials and politicians. Those interested in the development of the sport, not self or pelf are needed. They must be made thoroughly accountable for how the money is being spent. Cricket is not the only sport in India If Tokyo Olympics 2020 has taught the nation anything, it is that cricket is not the only sport in India. Cricket became a national obsession following India’s surprise victory in the 1983 World Cup while interest in other sports dwindled for lack of success in the international arena. India has the largest global television cricket audience but, with the world’s fastest-growing major economy after China, is attracting interest from other spectator sports keen to tap into the market, including soccer, Formula One and golf. When it comes to Olympics, India has a long way to go, but this year's Tokyo Games was a turning point for several sports as well as women in sports. Here is hoping that Paris Olympics will witness a better medal haul by Team India. And the good news is, it's just three years away, not four. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hunger and hope: How can India up its game at the Olympics?

From Bhavani Devi's efforts to Neeraj Chopra's gold: Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics

From knitting to India's gold in athletics: Some memorable moments of Tokyo Olympics

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won a historic athletics gold medal to become India's second-ever individual Olympic gold medalist. Watch Neeraj Chopra's exclusive interview only on WION.

Exclusive: Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra speaks with WION

<p>Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd. is awarding INR&nbsp;10,000,000 to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-neeraj-chopra-wins-gold-for-india-in-javelin-becomes-second-individual-to-do-so-403710">Neeraj Chopra</a>.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
An astounding golden moment unfolded at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo 2020</a> stage today&nbsp;as the world witnessed Neeraj Chopra bringing the first Gold medal in athletics for India. The nation is roaring with pride as India’s campaign at the Olympics comes to a close in Tokyo.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-neeraj-chopras-javelin-throw-that-won-india-its-first-ever-athletics-gold-watch-403719">Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>To commemorate this special and historic feat, on behalf of the fans Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd., India’s much loved and celebrated sports team and Lieutenant Colonel MS Dhoni extended his&nbsp;wishes to Neeraj Chopra, a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army.</p>

<p>As a mark of appreciation and honour for his stellar achievement, CSK is awarding INR 10,000,000 to Neeraj Chopra.</p>

<p><strong>Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">Indian Army to Olympic gold: Lesser known journey of Neeraj Chopra</a></strong></p>

<p>"We as Indians are proud of Neeraj Chopra as his effort at Tokyo 2020 will inspire millions of Indians to take up sport and instil belief in them to be able to compete and excel at the highest level in any discipline of sport. His Gold medal winning throw of 87.58m in the Men's Javelin has galvanised the entire nation," a CSK spokesperson said.</p>

<p>CSK will be creating a special jersey with the number 8758 as a mark of respect to Neeraj Chopra.</p>

<p>"We are delighted that Neeraj will join the elite company of Abhinav Bindra as only the second individual Gold Medallist in the Olympics and we look forward to celebrating more joining this list in the years to come."</p>


Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd. is awarding INR 10,000,000 to Neeraj Chopra. An astounding golden moment unfolded at the Tokyo 2020 stage today as the world witnessed Neeraj Chopra bringing the first Gold medal in athletics for India.

Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd. is awarding INR 10,000,000 to Neeraj Chopra. An astounding golden moment unfolded at the Tokyo 2020 stage today as the world witnessed Neeraj Chopra bringing the first Gold medal in athletics for India. The nation is roaring with pride as India’s campaign at the Olympics comes to a close in Tokyo. Also read | Neeraj Chopra's throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH To commemorate this special and historic feat, on behalf of the fans Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd., India’s much loved and celebrated sports team and Lieutenant Colonel MS Dhoni extended his wishes to Neeraj Chopra, a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. As a mark of appreciation and honour for his stellar achievement, CSK is awarding INR 10,000,000 to Neeraj Chopra. Have a look | Indian Army to Olympic gold: Lesser known journey of Neeraj Chopra "We as Indians are proud of Neeraj Chopra as his effort at Tokyo 2020 will inspire millions of Indians to take up sport and instil belief in them to be able to compete and excel at the highest level in any discipline of sport. His Gold medal winning throw of 87.58m in the Men's Javelin has galvanised the entire nation," a CSK spokesperson said. CSK will be creating a special jersey with the number 8758 as a mark of respect to Neeraj Chopra. "We are delighted that Neeraj will join the elite company of Abhinav Bindra as only the second individual Gold Medallist in the Olympics and we look forward to celebrating more joining this list in the years to come."

CSK honours Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra

<p>During the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha Singh came really close to win a medal for India in 400m, however, he came fourth and fell short for bronze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2020, 'the Flying Sikh' wished to watch India win a gold medal in athletics during a chat with Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju as part of the Fit India event.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758" hreflang="en">Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures</a></p>

<p>“I want to say there is talent in athletics in India. In Rome 1960, people believed that if someone would win 400m then it would be Milkha Singh (but it did not happen),” he said. “It is my last wish that I want to see a youngster win a gold medal in athletics at the Olympics."</p>

<p>However, the legendary athlete passed away in June after a long battle with COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neeraj Chopra fulfilled Milkha Singh's wish to win a gold medal for India in Javelin Throw at the Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a></strong></p>

<p>Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Milkha Singh's son Jeev Milkha Singh reacted to Chopra's win and said that the Milkha family is eternally grateful to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Dad waited so many years for this to happen. His dream has finally come true with India's first athletic gold. I am crying as I tweet this. And I am sure dad is crying up above. Thank you for making this happen," Jeev posted.</p>

<p>Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com<br />
"Not only did you win us a first-ever athletics gold medal in the #OlympicGames, you even dedicated it to my father. The Milkha family is eternally grateful for this honour," he added.</p>


During the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha Singh came really close to win a medal for India in 400m, however, he came fourth and fell short for bronze. In December 2020, 'the Flying Sikh' wished to watch India win a gold medal in athletics during a chat with Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju as part of the Fit India event.

During the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha Singh came really close to win a medal for India in 400m, however, he came fourth and fell short for bronze. In December 2020, 'the Flying Sikh' wished to watch India win a gold medal in athletics during a chat with Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju as part of the Fit India event. ALSO READ: Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures “I want to say there is talent in athletics in India. In Rome 1960, people believed that if someone would win 400m then it would be Milkha Singh (but it did not happen),” he said. “It is my last wish that I want to see a youngster win a gold medal in athletics at the Olympics." However, the legendary athlete passed away in June after a long battle with COVID-19. Neeraj Chopra fulfilled Milkha Singh's wish to win a gold medal for India in Javelin Throw at the Tokyo Olympics. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany. Milkha Singh's son Jeev Milkha Singh reacted to Chopra's win and said that the Milkha family is eternally grateful to him. "Dad waited so many years for this to happen. His dream has finally come true with India's first athletic gold. I am crying as I tweet this. And I am sure dad is crying up above. Thank you for making this happen," Jeev posted. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com "Not only did you win us a first-ever athletics gold medal in the #OlympicGames, you even dedicated it to my father. The Milkha family is eternally grateful for this honour," he added.

Tokyo Olympics - 'Eternally grateful': Neeraj Chopra fulfills 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh's dying wish

<p>As soon as India's ace javelin thrower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-tokyo-olympics-nobody-can-say-that-india-cannot-win-a-gold-in-athletics-says-golden-boy-neeraj-chopra-403869">Neeraj Chopra</a> won a gold medal at Tokyo Olympics, a tweet from his arch-nemesis Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan went viral on social media forums. As per the viral post, Nadeem apologised to his country, saying, "Sorry Pakistan I could not win for you". The same post claimed that he congratulated Neeraj, saying, "Congratulations to my Idol #NeerajChopra for winning."</p>

<p>Or did he really?</p>

<p>It has been understood that the account from which the tweet was posted, has no credibility. It was created in May 2021 and has over 4,000 followers with a total of 12 tweets so far. It appears to be an impostor account.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>LIVE UPDATES |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-day-live-updates-final-events-underway-followed-by-ceremony-403835">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day: Final events underway followed by ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8cf5eec-56ac-4c8d-aae1-6e57c1ed7652" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Arshad%20Nadeem%20of%20Pakistan.jpg" /></p>

<p>Nadeem was Pakistan's biggest medal hope at the Olympics as he was hoping for a podium finish in the javelin throw. However, his best throw of 84.62 wasn't good enough as Chopra won gold with a best throw of 87.58. The silver and bronze medals went to the Czech Republic while the fourth place went to Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch Neeraj Chopra's exclusive interview with WION:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures</a></strong></p>

<p>Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch Neeraj's&nbsp;historic throw here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">THE THROW THAT WON <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOLD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOLD</a> MEDAL 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://t.co/F6xr6yFe8J">pic.twitter.com/F6xr6yFe8J</a></p>
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020hi/status/1423983726980001798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a></strong></p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by and several other ministers in paying tribute to Chopra's success.&nbsp;"History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever," Modi tweeted.</p>


As soon as India's ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at Tokyo Olympics, a tweet from his arch-nemesis Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan went viral on social media forums.

As soon as India's ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at Tokyo Olympics, a tweet from his arch-nemesis Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan went viral on social media forums. As per the viral post, Nadeem apologised to his country, saying, "Sorry Pakistan I could not win for you". The same post claimed that he congratulated Neeraj, saying, "Congratulations to my Idol #NeerajChopra for winning." Or did he really? It has been understood that the account from which the tweet was posted, has no credibility. It was created in May 2021 and has over 4,000 followers with a total of 12 tweets so far. It appears to be an impostor account. LIVE UPDATES | Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day: Final events underway followed by ceremony Nadeem was Pakistan's biggest medal hope at the Olympics as he was hoping for a podium finish in the javelin throw. However, his best throw of 84.62 wasn't good enough as Chopra won gold with a best throw of 87.58. The silver and bronze medals went to the Czech Republic while the fourth place went to Germany. Watch Neeraj Chopra's exclusive interview with WION: × IN PICS | Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany. Watch Neeraj's historic throw here: THE THROW THAT WON #IND A #GOLD MEDAL 😍#Tokyo2020 | #StrongerTogether | #UnitedByEmotion @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/F6xr6yFe8J — #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) August 7, 2021 × IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by and several other ministers in paying tribute to Chopra's success. "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever," Modi tweeted.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 : Did Pakistan's javelin thrower wish Neeraj Chopra? Here's truth behind viral tweet

<p>Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star has&nbsp;brought glory to the nation by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. While the entire nation is pumped up and congratulating the "Golden Boy" after his historic triumph, he spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo about his journey and dreams. He said it is a "happy moment" for him as he led India to its&nbsp;best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have been critical voices raised in the past that India can't win a gold medal in athletics at Olympics Games. While showing his glitzy medal during the virtual chat, the 23-year-old - very politely - slammed those criticisms and said. "Now, we don't have to say anything as we have gold now. No one can now say India cant win gold. We can and more athletes will also do."</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures</a></strong></p>

<p>Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neeraj Chopra was a plump kid, who took to athletics to lose weight but ended up being India's first track-and-field Olympic gold-medallist. On his win, he said, "It's hard to believe at the moment, sometimes I feel it it's a dream. But for me, it's a dream come true. Gold in the Olympics is a different feeling and I also feel great to have done this for our country."</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/india-among-countries-with-highest-cash-rewards-for-tokyo-olympic-medalists-check-out-the-complete-list-402017">India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list</a></strong></p>

<p>He also reflected his thoughts on some Indian legends of athletics like Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Anju Bobby George. Neeraj said, "I want to dedicate my medal to great Indian athletes like Milkha Singh and PT Usha"</p>

<p>"Definitely that's [gold medal moment] an inspiration for India as the seniors worked hard for this and their dreams came true with&nbsp;a gold medal," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked, what are his plans now, he said, "Just want to rest for a while and be with family."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>LIVE UPDATES | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-day-live-updates-final-events-underway-followed-by-ceremony-403835">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day: Final events underway followed by ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch his exclusive interview here:</strong></p>

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<p>President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by and several other ministers in paying tribute to Chopra's success.&nbsp;"History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever," Modi tweeted.</p>

<p>"The young&nbsp;Neeraj&nbsp;has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold."</p>

<p>The sports fraternity also lavished praise on Chopra who was described by local media as the "man with the golden arm".</p>

<p>"The impact your victory will create on promoting your sport amongst the country's youth is immeasurable," Bindra said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Also, welcome you to the club. It is not the most happening of places yet and needs more members, but I feel your entry is going to pave the way for many more deserving athletes."</p>


Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star has brought glory to the nation by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. While the entire nation is pumped up and congratulating the "Golden Boy" after his historic triumph, he spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo about his journey and dreams.

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star has brought glory to the nation by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. While the entire nation is pumped up and congratulating the "Golden Boy" after his historic triumph, he spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo about his journey and dreams. He said it is a "happy moment" for him as he led India to its best-ever haul in the Olympics with seven medals — a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals. There have been critical voices raised in the past that India can't win a gold medal in athletics at Olympics Games. While showing his glitzy medal during the virtual chat, the 23-year-old - very politely - slammed those criticisms and said. "Now, we don't have to say anything as we have gold now. No one can now say India cant win gold. We can and more athletes will also do." IN PICS | Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra won shooting gold in 2008. His performance at Tokyo Olympics will be written in golden words in history. With a mammoth 87.58 metres throw, he finished ahead of gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany. Neeraj Chopra was a plump kid, who took to athletics to lose weight but ended up being India's first track-and-field Olympic gold-medallist. On his win, he said, "It's hard to believe at the moment, sometimes I feel it it's a dream. But for me, it's a dream come true. Gold in the Olympics is a different feeling and I also feel great to have done this for our country." IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list He also reflected his thoughts on some Indian legends of athletics like Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Anju Bobby George. Neeraj said, "I want to dedicate my medal to great Indian athletes like Milkha Singh and PT Usha" "Definitely that's [gold medal moment] an inspiration for India as the seniors worked hard for this and their dreams came true with a gold medal," he added. On being asked, what are his plans now, he said, "Just want to rest for a while and be with family." LIVE UPDATES | Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day: Final events underway followed by ceremony Watch his exclusive interview here: × President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by and several other ministers in paying tribute to Chopra's success. "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever," Modi tweeted. "The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold." The sports fraternity also lavished praise on Chopra who was described by local media as the "man with the golden arm". "The impact your victory will create on promoting your sport amongst the country's youth is immeasurable," Bindra said in a statement. "Also, welcome you to the club. It is not the most happening of places yet and needs more members, but I feel your entry is going to pave the way for many more deserving athletes."

Exclusive: Tokyo Olympics - 'Nobody can say that India cannot win a gold in athletics,' says 'Golden Boy' Neeraj Chopra

Tokyo Olympics: India's Neeraj Chopra wins historic gold medal

The journey to an Olympic Gold goes down a road that has rarely been travelled in Indian sport. On Sunday Neeraj Chopra became the second Indian sportsperson to win an individual Olympic Gold medal in the Men's Javelin event. Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo celebrated a seminal moment in Indian sporting history with Tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi, Indian Shooting legend Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Manisha Malhotra who oversaw Chopra's training program over the last few years.

Tokyo 2020: India's best ever Olympics

Indian Army to Olympic gold: India Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra's lesser known journey in pictures

<p>Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics after Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won it in Beijing in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/indian-army-to-tokyo-olympic-gold-india-javelin-thrower-neeraj-chopras-unknown-journey-in-pictures-403758">From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra</a></p>

<p>During the finals of the javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra breached the 87m metre mark in his very first throw. No other thrower could go past 87m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neeraj then went past his mark on the second throw. He threw his javelin at 87.58m.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Take a look at the Gold-winning throw:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">THE THROW THAT WON <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOLD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOLD</a> MEDAL 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://t.co/F6xr6yFe8J">pic.twitter.com/F6xr6yFe8J</a></p>
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020hi/status/1423983726980001798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>His closest rival and reigning World Champion was out in the very first round during the finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Czech Republic's Vadlejch (86.67m) and Vítězslav Veselý (85.44m) won silver and bronze respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this medal, India go past their previous best and have 7 medals in their tally with four bronze, two silver and one gold.&nbsp;</p>


Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics after Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won it in Beijing in 2008. ALSO READ: From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra During the finals of the javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra breached the 87m metre mark in his very first throw.

Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics after Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won it in Beijing in 2008. ALSO READ: From Indian Army to Olympic gold: Unknown journey of Neeraj Chopra During the finals of the javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra breached the 87m metre mark in his very first throw. No other thrower could go past 87m. Neeraj then went past his mark on the second throw. He threw his javelin at 87.58m. Take a look at the Gold-winning throw: THE THROW THAT WON #IND A #GOLD MEDAL 😍#Tokyo2020 | #StrongerTogether | #UnitedByEmotion @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/F6xr6yFe8J — #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) August 7, 2021 × His closest rival and reigning World Champion was out in the very first round during the finals. Czech Republic's Vadlejch (86.67m) and Vítězslav Veselý (85.44m) won silver and bronze respectively. With this medal, India go past their previous best and have 7 medals in their tally with four bronze, two silver and one gold.

Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH

<p>With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India at Tokyo Olympics 2020.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-neeraj-chopras-javelin-throw-that-won-india-its-first-ever-athletics-gold-watch-403719" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH</a></p>

<p>Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin event.</p>

<p>Twitter has erupted in celebration over this&nbsp;historic win. Let's see what the netizens have to say:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History has been scripted at Tokyo! What <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> 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. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS">https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423982290296721411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And Gold it is for <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you!<br />
Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you.</p>
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1423979585834680329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes boy !! You did it . The country salutes you 👏🏽🙋‍♂️ so proud of you 👏🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽! 🥇 <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a></p>
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1423980555603873794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="cy">Brilliant brilliant brilliant 🥇💪👏.. <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoOlympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoOlympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a></p>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/1423979633989492739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Neeraj Chopra for winning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a> medal for India in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a><br />
Your achievement will inspire young athletes to work hard and bring glory for India. Well done! <a href="https://t.co/wWNxgmId7v">pic.twitter.com/wWNxgmId7v</a></p>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/1423982998144180226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEERAJ 🥇 CHOPRA<br />
<br />
India’s 🇮🇳 Golden Boy !<br />
<br />
India’s Olympic History has been scripted!<br />
<br />
Your superbly soaring throw<br />
deserves a Billion Cheers !<br />
<br />
Your name will be etched in the history books with golden letters.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xe6OYlCedq">pic.twitter.com/Xe6OYlCedq</a></p>
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur/status/1423980756280373258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hail Neeraj Chopra! Hail Indian Army for enabling him to win Olympic Gold.Jai Hind 🇮🇳</p>
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedmalik1/status/1423981304899506182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/034m0ISTis">pic.twitter.com/034m0ISTis</a></p>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1423981694357544960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History has been scripted!<br />
<br />
Beyond proud of Javelin thrower <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> for winning the Gold Medal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics2020</a>!<br />
<br />
Today, the entire nation shall rejoice in this glorious victory! Many, many Congratulations to you!</p>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1423981644520644610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History created &amp; nailed !!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> what a delightful performance… unbelievable! Biggest congratulations on winning the Olympic gold in javelin &amp; the first in athletics in a 100 years , from india . This is beautiful… next level … ecstatic ⭐️<br />
What a rockstar. <a href="https://t.co/v7rCTTQEzD">pic.twitter.com/v7rCTTQEzD</a></p>
— Dipannita Sharma (@Dipannitasharma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dipannitasharma/status/1423982819072565248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Milkha Singh ji last wish was that we wish to see an Indian winning a medal in Athletics in Olympics , today <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> has done it, this is the best tribute to Late Milkha Singh ji <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAtTokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAtTokyo2020</a></p>
— 🇮🇳 JaiRaj (@KhelJeevi) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhelJeevi/status/1423983427087323141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic won silver with 86.67 metres, and Vitezslav Vesely took bronze with 85.44 metres.</p>

<p>With Chopra's gold, India's medal total at Tokyo Games, stands at seven, surpassing the number of medals won at the 2012 London Olympics (six medals). It's the most medals India has ever won in one edition of the Olympics.</p>


With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India at Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.

With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India at Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin event. Twitter has erupted in celebration over this historic win. Let's see what the netizens have to say: 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 https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2021 × 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. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 7, 2021 × Yes boy !! You did it . The country salutes you 👏🏽🙋‍♂️ so proud of you 👏🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽! 🥇 @Neeraj_chopra1 — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 7, 2021 × Brilliant brilliant brilliant 🥇💪👏.. @Neeraj_chopra1 #TokyoOlympics #Gold #TeamIndia #NeerajChopra — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) August 7, 2021 × Congratulations Neeraj Chopra for winning #Gold medal for India in #Olympics Your achievement will inspire young athletes to work hard and bring glory for India. Well done! pic.twitter.com/wWNxgmId7v — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) August 7, 2021 × NEERAJ 🥇 CHOPRA India’s 🇮🇳 Golden Boy ! India’s Olympic History has been scripted! Your superbly soaring throw deserves a Billion Cheers ! Your name will be etched in the history books with golden letters.#Tokyo2020 @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/Xe6OYlCedq — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 7, 2021 × Hail Neeraj Chopra! Hail Indian Army for enabling him to win Olympic Gold.Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) August 7, 2021 × The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting #NeerajChopra @narendramodi @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/034m0ISTis — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 7, 2021 × History has been scripted! Beyond proud of Javelin thrower @Neeraj_chopra1 for winning the Gold Medal at the #Olympics2020! Today, the entire nation shall rejoice in this glorious victory! Many, many Congratulations to you! — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2021 × History created & nailed !!! #NeerajChopra what a delightful performance… unbelievable! Biggest congratulations on winning the Olympic gold in javelin & the first in athletics in a 100 years , from india . This is beautiful… next level … ecstatic ⭐️ What a rockstar. pic.twitter.com/v7rCTTQEzD — Dipannita Sharma (@Dipannitasharma) August 7, 2021 × Milkha Singh ji last wish was that we wish to see an Indian winning a medal in Athletics in Olympics , today @Neeraj_chopra1 has done it, this is the best tribute to Late Milkha Singh ji #NeerajChopra #IndiaAtTokyo2020 — 🇮🇳 JaiRaj (@KhelJeevi) August 7, 2021 × Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic won silver with 86.67 metres, and Vitezslav Vesely took bronze with 85.44 metres. With Chopra's gold, India's medal total at Tokyo Games, stands at seven, surpassing the number of medals won at the 2012 London Olympics (six medals). It's the most medals India has ever won in one edition of the Olympics.

'Welcome to the club': PM Modi, Abhinav Bindra and others praise Neeraj Chopra for Olympics gold medal

<p>Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra kicked off his first-ever Olympics campaign in style. Chopra, who is seen as India's top bet for another medal, qualified for the men's javelin final in a stunning first attempt of 86.65m on Wednesday at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The monstrous throw helped him finish on top of Group A. Neeraj's biggest rival and a contender for Gold Johannes Vetter (from Germany) qualified in his third attempt with a throw of 85.64m. Finland's Lassi Etelatalo is the third automatic qualification with a throw of 84.50m.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> made entering an Olympic final look so easy! 😲😱<br />
<br />
Neeraj's FIRST attempt of 86.65m in his FIRST-EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> was recorded as the highest in men's Group A, beating <a href="https://twitter.com/jojo_javelin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jojo_javelin</a>'s 85.64m 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BestOfTokyo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BestOfTokyo</a> <a href="https://t.co/U4eYHBVrjG">pic.twitter.com/U4eYHBVrjG</a></p>
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020hi/status/1422728930058924037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Germany's Johannes Vetter is the only male javelin thrower in the world to have gone beyond the 90m-mark in the last 24 months. He has shown some prolific form in recent competitions and has gone past 90-mark on 18 different occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neeraj Chopra, on the other hand, has a personal best of 88.07m, which still is the second-best throw in the world in all competitions this season and a national record. This javelin was thrown during the Indian Grand Prix in Patiala, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chopra will compete in the finals on August 7. Shivpal Singh on the other hand is still competing in Group B and is currently placed 10th with a throw of 76.40m.</p>


Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra kicked off his first-ever Olympics campaign in style. Chopra, who is seen as India's top bet for another medal, qualified for the men's javelin final in a stunning first attempt of 86.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra kicked off his first-ever Olympics campaign in style. Chopra, who is seen as India's top bet for another medal, qualified for the men's javelin final in a stunning first attempt of 86.65m on Wednesday at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The monstrous throw helped him finish on top of Group A. Neeraj's biggest rival and a contender for Gold Johannes Vetter (from Germany) qualified in his third attempt with a throw of 85.64m. Finland's Lassi Etelatalo is the third automatic qualification with a throw of 84.50m. WATCH: .@Neeraj_chopra1 made entering an Olympic final look so easy! 😲😱 Neeraj's FIRST attempt of 86.65m in his FIRST-EVER #Olympics was recorded as the highest in men's Group A, beating @jojo_javelin's 85.64m 👏#StrongerTogether | #UnitedByEmotion | #Tokyo2020 | #BestOfTokyo pic.twitter.com/U4eYHBVrjG — #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) August 4, 2021 × Germany's Johannes Vetter is the only male javelin thrower in the world to have gone beyond the 90m-mark in the last 24 months. He has shown some prolific form in recent competitions and has gone past 90-mark on 18 different occasions. Neeraj Chopra, on the other hand, has a personal best of 88.07m, which still is the second-best throw in the world in all competitions this season and a national record. This javelin was thrown during the Indian Grand Prix in Patiala, earlier this year. Chopra will compete in the finals on August 7. Shivpal Singh on the other hand is still competing in Group B and is currently placed 10th with a throw of 76.40m.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: India's Neeraj Chopra in men's javelin finals with a monstrous attempt - WATCH

<p>India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games.</p>

<p>Chopra, a farmer's son from a village outside of Delhi, became a track and field star after winning the javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2018.</p>

<p>Having qualified for the Tokyo Olympics last year, he recorded a personal best of 88.07m in the Indian Grand Prix in March.</p>

<p>But an elbow injury in 2019 and then the pandemic have robbed him of the chance to get closer to the world's best.</p>

<p>"I need to compete in international tournaments," the 23-year-old told a virtual press conference.</p>

<p>"If we cannot take part in competitions then what is the use of training. To rise to the Olympic level, you need international exposure."</p>

<p>Germany's Johannes Vetter leads the current javelin rankings with a personal best of 97.76m.</p>

<p>"I am close to breaching the 90-metre mark and can do it if I get competition," said Chopra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The present group of seven or eight javelin throwers across the globe is the best in history with everyone recording over 90m.</p>

<p>"It is my first Olympics, like many others, so your confidence must be high. And we will get this confidence through these events."</p>

<p>Chopra and the rest of India's best athletes missed a recent trip to Turkey for training and competition due to a 14-day quarantine.</p>

<p>Doubts have been expressed about the viability of the Tokyo Games because of a pandemic surge in Asia, but Chopra said athletes have to keep their focus.</p>

<p>"We have to stay positive to prepare for the Olympics amid this negative atmosphere where there is a raging pandemic and so many people are dying," said Chopra, who received a first dose of a vaccine two weeks ago.</p>

<p>"We just have to keep preparing as athletes despite the uncertainty surrounding the Olympics."</p>

<p>India has been hit by a devastating new coronavirus wave in recent weeks, recording over 250,000 deaths as hospitals battle shortages of medical oxygen and beds.</p>

<p>Chopra said he has shut out news broadcasts to focus on his Olympic preparation.</p>

<p>"I have stopped listening to any kind of news on the mobile or TV as everywhere there are stories of Covid positive cases and deaths," he said from his room at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.</p>

<p>"It plays on the mind, as even while talking to family members the talk is about deaths of distant relatives. So we are trying to stay away from this and maintain our focus."</p>


India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games.

India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games. Chopra, a farmer's son from a village outside of Delhi, became a track and field star after winning the javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2018. Having qualified for the Tokyo Olympics last year, he recorded a personal best of 88.07m in the Indian Grand Prix in March. But an elbow injury in 2019 and then the pandemic have robbed him of the chance to get closer to the world's best. "I need to compete in international tournaments," the 23-year-old told a virtual press conference. "If we cannot take part in competitions then what is the use of training. To rise to the Olympic level, you need international exposure." Germany's Johannes Vetter leads the current javelin rankings with a personal best of 97.76m. "I am close to breaching the 90-metre mark and can do it if I get competition," said Chopra. "The present group of seven or eight javelin throwers across the globe is the best in history with everyone recording over 90m. "It is my first Olympics, like many others, so your confidence must be high. And we will get this confidence through these events." Chopra and the rest of India's best athletes missed a recent trip to Turkey for training and competition due to a 14-day quarantine. Doubts have been expressed about the viability of the Tokyo Games because of a pandemic surge in Asia, but Chopra said athletes have to keep their focus. "We have to stay positive to prepare for the Olympics amid this negative atmosphere where there is a raging pandemic and so many people are dying," said Chopra, who received a first dose of a vaccine two weeks ago. "We just have to keep preparing as athletes despite the uncertainty surrounding the Olympics." India has been hit by a devastating new coronavirus wave in recent weeks, recording over 250,000 deaths as hospitals battle shortages of medical oxygen and beds. Chopra said he has shut out news broadcasts to focus on his Olympic preparation. "I have stopped listening to any kind of news on the mobile or TV as everywhere there are stories of Covid positive cases and deaths," he said from his room at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. "It plays on the mind, as even while talking to family members the talk is about deaths of distant relatives. So we are trying to stay away from this and maintain our focus."

India's Neeraj Chopra says virus restrictions hit Olympic hopes

<p>Commonwealth and Asian Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm and faces a race against time to be fully fit before the World Championships in Doha at the end of September.</p>

<p>The 21-year-old Indian has not competed since picking up the injury to his right elbow late last year and was working extensively on his core strengthening and flexibility with an eye on the World Championships.</p>

<p>The former world junior champion underwent an arthroscopy procedure to remove bone fragments which were causing him discomfort on Thursday and was released from the Mumbai hospital on Friday.</p>

<p>"Undergone elbow surgery in Mumbai by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala," Chopra said in a social media post, accompanied by a picture of him lying on a hospital bed with his right arm in an elbow brace.</p>

<p>"Will require some months of rehabilitation before I can start back with throwing. Hoping to return stronger.</p>

<p>"Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before."</p>

<p>Last year, Chopra became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh in 1958 and discus thrower Vikas Gowda in 2014.</p>

<p>A throw of 86.47 metres was enough to take the title on the Gold Coast and he followed that up with 87.43 metres at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.</p>

<p>At the Asiad in Jakarta he threw even further, clearing a season's best distance of 88.06 metres for the title -- placing him sixth on the IAAF top list for 2018.</p>

<p>Hailing from the Northern Indian state of Haryana, which is better known for producing wrestlers and kabaddi players, Chopra is currently ranked fifth in the IAAF world rankings in javelin.</p>

<p>He was targeting a throw of 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha.</p>

<p>"Neeraj went through consultations with doctors in India and his scans were sent to multiple international experts as well, who all suggested that the elbow arthroscopy would be the best alternative," said Manisha Malhotra, Head of Sports Excellence at JSW Sports, the organisation which manages the athlete.</p>

<p>"After considering all options and feedback, Neeraj decided to stay in India and undergo the procedure."</p>


Commonwealth and Asian Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm and faces a race against time to be fully fit before the World Championships in Doha at the end of September.

Commonwealth and Asian Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm and faces a race against time to be fully fit before the World Championships in Doha at the end of September. The 21-year-old Indian has not competed since picking up the injury to his right elbow late last year and was working extensively on his core strengthening and flexibility with an eye on the World Championships. The former world junior champion underwent an arthroscopy procedure to remove bone fragments which were causing him discomfort on Thursday and was released from the Mumbai hospital on Friday. "Undergone elbow surgery in Mumbai by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala," Chopra said in a social media post, accompanied by a picture of him lying on a hospital bed with his right arm in an elbow brace. "Will require some months of rehabilitation before I can start back with throwing. Hoping to return stronger. "Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before." Last year, Chopra became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh in 1958 and discus thrower Vikas Gowda in 2014. A throw of 86.47 metres was enough to take the title on the Gold Coast and he followed that up with 87.43 metres at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asiad in Jakarta he threw even further, clearing a season's best distance of 88.06 metres for the title -- placing him sixth on the IAAF top list for 2018. Hailing from the Northern Indian state of Haryana, which is better known for producing wrestlers and kabaddi players, Chopra is currently ranked fifth in the IAAF world rankings in javelin. He was targeting a throw of 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha. "Neeraj went through consultations with doctors in India and his scans were sent to multiple international experts as well, who all suggested that the elbow arthroscopy would be the best alternative," said Manisha Malhotra, Head of Sports Excellence at JSW Sports, the organisation which manages the athlete. "After considering all options and feedback, Neeraj decided to stay in India and undergo the procedure."

Neeraj Chopra faces lengthy recovery after elbow surgery

<p>India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Neeraj+Chopra">Neeraj Chopra</a> is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018.</p>

<p>"Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa.</p>

<p>"We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.&nbsp;</p>


India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India's Neeraj Chopra is reluctant to discuss specific targets for the next couple of years but his coach Uwe Hohn has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the former javelin world junior champion to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Chopra shot to prominence last year when he won javelin gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, bringing rare track-and-field success for India. His winning throw on the Gold Coast measured 86.47 metres and he followed that up with a 87.43m throw at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asian Games in Jakarta, Chopra took the title with a season's best throw of 88.06m, placing him sixth in the IAAF's rankings for 2018. "Our targets for this year are, besides staying healthy and getting better, to throw 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha," Hohn told Reuters in an interview. "Then 94 metres in 2020 and a medal in Tokyo." Hohn is the only athlete to throw a javelin over 100m, with his world record of 104.8m for East Germany in 1984. Two years later the men's javelin was redesigned and its centre of gravity was moved forward by four centimetres. Czech thrower Jan Zelezny, who won three successive Olympic gold medals from 1992, has the five best throws ever with his 1996 world record of 98.48m still standing. While India is credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second-most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics. The 21-year-old Chopra is currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings and is by far the best chance India has of ending that drought in Tokyo next year. The athlete told Reuters in a recent interview that 2019 will be an even more important year than 2018. Hohn said Chopra had to be as consistent as he was last year but raise his game further. "We are also aware that there are a few others in the world, not only from Germany but also in Asia, who are also working to get still better," he said from an altitude training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. "We are concentrating on taking little steps forward without getting injured and we will see where we get with this." Chopra suffered a setback with an elbow injury late last year and also needs to work on his technique, Hohn said. "We are working to improve in many ways and adjust the training to his needs and ability at all times and we will continue this in cooperation with his physio," he added.

Coach Uwe Hohn lays out pathway for Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo success

<p>Neeraj Chopra had a fruitful 2018 when he won javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games but the Indian reckons this year is going to be even more crucial for him as he chases Olympic glory at Tokyo 2020.</p>

<p>Last year, the long-haired former world junior champion became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh in 1958 and discus thrower Vikas Gowda in 2014.</p>

<p>A throw of 86.47 metres was enough to take the title on the Gold Coast and he followed that up with 87.43 metres at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.</p>

<p>At the Asiad in Jakarta he threw even further at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, clearing a season's best distance of 88.06 metres for the title -- placing him sixth on the IAAF top list for 2018.</p>

<p>"I believe 2019 is going to be even more important than 2018," Chopra, still only 21, told Reuters in an interview.</p>

<p>"In 2018 the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games were there, which were good.</p>

<p>"But this year there is world championships and more importantly this is the year just before the Olympics and if I want to get ready for the Olympics, I will have to perform well this year."</p>

<p>While India are credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics.</p>

<p>Chopra, currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings in javelin, knows that he is by far the best chance of ending that drought in Tokyo next year.</p>

<p>"It feels good that people have expectations from you, that's a good feeling for me," Chopra, who is supported by diversified conglomerate JSW Group's Sports Excellence Programme, said from a training camp in Potchefstroom.</p>

<p>"But I have to do my work. Their expectations are a good thing but I need to continue to perform as I have put in lot of hard work...</p>

<p>"Obviously there is some pressure that so many people are watching me, but I focus on staying positive and injury-free, and give my best performance, that's all."</p>

<p><strong>ALTITUDE TRAINING</strong></p>

<p>Hailing from Haryana, which is better known for producing wrestlers and kabaddi players, Chopra has traded home for an altitude training camp with his coach Uwe Hohn on the South African highveld.</p>

<p>He suffered a bit of a setback with an elbow injury he picked up late last year and has worked extensively on his core strengthening and flexibility with an eye on the World Championships in Doha, starting in September.</p>

<p>"Training is going well, we came here in mid-January so it has been a month and a half already," he said.</p>

<p>"Training is starting to make a difference on strengthening, core, explosive power. It's going well overall.</p>

<p>"Next, we will put in a lot of work on the technical aspects. Overall I feel this year is going to be better than last year."</p>

<p>Chopra is also bringing change to his throwing technique after realising that he was falling more on his left side during the point of release, forcing his javelin to also veer left.</p>

<p>He is aware of the tough competition that lies ahead and understands the need to produce his best throws throughout the season.</p>

<p>"My main task I believe is to be consistent. It's not that I can throw a 90 (metres) once and then start throwing 81-82 after that," he added.</p>

<p>"If you are consistent then there are high chances that I can break my personal bests in competitions."</p>


Neeraj Chopra had a fruitful 2018 when he won javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games but the Indian reckons this year is going to be even more crucial for him as he chases Olympic glory at Tokyo 2020.

Neeraj Chopra had a fruitful 2018 when he won javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games but the Indian reckons this year is going to be even more crucial for him as he chases Olympic glory at Tokyo 2020. Last year, the long-haired former world junior champion became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh in 1958 and discus thrower Vikas Gowda in 2014. A throw of 86.47 metres was enough to take the title on the Gold Coast and he followed that up with 87.43 metres at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asiad in Jakarta he threw even further at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, clearing a season's best distance of 88.06 metres for the title -- placing him sixth on the IAAF top list for 2018. "I believe 2019 is going to be even more important than 2018," Chopra, still only 21, told Reuters in an interview. "In 2018 the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games were there, which were good. "But this year there is world championships and more importantly this is the year just before the Olympics and if I want to get ready for the Olympics, I will have to perform well this year." While India are credited with Norman Pritchard's hurdles silver medals from 1900 before it gained independence from Britain, the world's second most populous nation considers itself never to have won an athletics medal at an Olympics. Chopra, currently ranked fourth in the IAAF world rankings in javelin, knows that he is by far the best chance of ending that drought in Tokyo next year. "It feels good that people have expectations from you, that's a good feeling for me," Chopra, who is supported by diversified conglomerate JSW Group's Sports Excellence Programme, said from a training camp in Potchefstroom. "But I have to do my work. Their expectations are a good thing but I need to continue to perform as I have put in lot of hard work... "Obviously there is some pressure that so many people are watching me, but I focus on staying positive and injury-free, and give my best performance, that's all." ALTITUDE TRAINING Hailing from Haryana, which is better known for producing wrestlers and kabaddi players, Chopra has traded home for an altitude training camp with his coach Uwe Hohn on the South African highveld. He suffered a bit of a setback with an elbow injury he picked up late last year and has worked extensively on his core strengthening and flexibility with an eye on the World Championships in Doha, starting in September. "Training is going well, we came here in mid-January so it has been a month and a half already," he said. "Training is starting to make a difference on strengthening, core, explosive power. It's going well overall. "Next, we will put in a lot of work on the technical aspects. Overall I feel this year is going to be better than last year." Chopra is also bringing change to his throwing technique after realising that he was falling more on his left side during the point of release, forcing his javelin to also veer left. He is aware of the tough competition that lies ahead and understands the need to produce his best throws throughout the season. "My main task I believe is to be consistent. It's not that I can throw a 90 (metres) once and then start throwing 81-82 after that," he added. "If you are consistent then there are high chances that I can break my personal bests in competitions."

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has Olympics on his mind as he gears up for 2019

Wion Sports Special: Champions of India 2018

<p>Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished sixth in the Diamond League Series at 80.81m on Saturday.</p>

<p>The 20-year-old had shattered his own national record with a throw of 87.43m while finishing fourth in the first leg in Doha last month.</p>

<p>But at the Prefontaine Classic, he was not at his best as he had three foul throws.</p>

<p>Neeraj began with a 76.95m effort and then came up with a&nbsp80.81m in the second which turned out to be his best of the day.</p>

<p>He had a 80.26m in his third attempt before fouling the final three throws.</p>

<p>The top three spots in the eight-man field were expectedly taken by the Germans with the reigning Olympic champion Thomas Rohler unleashing the biggest throw ever witnessed at the venue with a best effort of 89.88m under cool and breezy conditions.</p>

<p>Reigning world champion Johannes Vetter took the silver with a best throw of 89.34m while Andreas Hofmann took the third spot with a best effort of 86.45m.&nbsp</p>


At the Prefontaine Classic, he was not at his best as he had three foul throws

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished sixth in the Diamond League Series at 80.81m on Saturday. The 20-year-old had shattered his own national record with a throw of 87.43m while finishing fourth in the first leg in Doha last month. But at the Prefontaine Classic, he was not at his best as he had three foul throws. Neeraj began with a 76.95m effort and then came up with a&nbsp80.81m in the second which turned out to be his best of the day. He had a 80.26m in his third attempt before fouling the final three throws. The top three spots in the eight-man field were expectedly taken by the Germans with the reigning Olympic champion Thomas Rohler unleashing the biggest throw ever witnessed at the venue with a best effort of 89.88m under cool and breezy conditions. Reigning world champion Johannes Vetter took the silver with a best throw of 89.34m while Andreas Hofmann took the third spot with a best effort of 86.45m.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finishes 6th in Eugene leg of Diamond League

The first ever Indian athlete to hold a world title, Neeraj Chopra arrived home in New Delhi to a hero&#39;s welcome today after winning javelin throw at the U-20 World Championships in Poland.<br />
<br />
Chopra, 18, also created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to set a world record at any level.<br />
<br />
He sent the spear to a distance of 86.48m in his second round, nearly two metres beyond earlier world Under-20 record of 84.69m held by Latvia&#39;s Zigismunds Sirmais.<br />
<br />
The young javelin thrower was welcomed with emphatic drum beats and garlanded by fans and family members at the airport in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
&quot;I have won a medal for the country and I am very happy. Federation is trying for my wild-card entry in Olympics. It&#39;s good if it works, or else I will keep working hard,&quot; Chopra said.<br />
<br />
Chopra missed his Olympic berth as he could not cross the qualification mark of 83 metres within the set deadline - July 18. But the World Championship feat has revived his Olympic dreams.<br />
<br />
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has written to the world governing body International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) to consider Chopra for a wild card entry in next month&#39;s Rio Olympics.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Neeraj Chopra sent the spear to a distance of 86.48m, setting a world record and winning javelin throw at U-20 World Championships in Poland

The first ever Indian athlete to hold a world title, Neeraj Chopra arrived home in New Delhi to a hero's welcome today after winning javelin throw at the U-20 World Championships in Poland. Chopra, 18, also created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to set a world record at any level. He sent the spear to a distance of 86.48m in his second round, nearly two metres beyond earlier world Under-20 record of 84.69m held by Latvia's Zigismunds Sirmais. The young javelin thrower was welcomed with emphatic drum beats and garlanded by fans and family members at the airport in New Delhi. "I have won a medal for the country and I am very happy. Federation is trying for my wild-card entry in Olympics. It's good if it works, or else I will keep working hard," Chopra said. Chopra missed his Olympic berth as he could not cross the qualification mark of 83 metres within the set deadline - July 18. But the World Championship feat has revived his Olympic dreams. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has written to the world governing body International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) to consider Chopra for a wild card entry in next month's Rio Olympics. (Reuters)

A hero's welcome for first Indian athlete to win world title

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