Neeraj Chopra has created History. He has made the country proud by bringing home the first ever medal in the ‘Track and Field’ category of the Olympic games and that too a gold medal. When Neeraj Chopra scripted history by winning the elusive medal, the Indian national anthem could be heard across the world. For this historic achievement, India will always remember this day.
The second throw of 87.58m in the finals stunned the athletics world as it ended India’s wait for the elusive track and field medal in the Olympics. Chopra won the country’s seventh medal and first gold in this Olympics. He has now joined the ranks of shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008 Beijing Games) as India’s individual gold winners in the showpiece. The 23-year-old, who belongs to the Ror community of Haryana, is the son of a farmer Satish Kumar and his wife Saroj Devi. The young generation from the little-known community now has its very own idol to look up to.
Chopra’s performance on Saturday was one of the best performances by an Indian in the Olympics so far, as he created history by finishing ahead of the gold-medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany. Even Pakistan’s fiercest rival Arshad Nadeem named Neeraj as his role model
“It feels unbelievable,” said Chopra. “This is our first Olympic medal for a very long time, and in athletics it is the first time we have gold, so it’s a proud moment for me and my country.”
PM Modi took to twitter to applaud the champion:
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
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
President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted:
Unprecedented win by Neeraj Chopra! Your javelin gold breaks barriers and creates history. You bring home first ever track and field medal to India in your first Olympics. Your feat will inspire our youth. India is elated! Heartiest congratulations!
Unprecedented win by Neeraj Chopra!Your javelin gold breaks barriers and creates history. You bring home first ever track and field medal to India in your first Olympics. Your feat will inspire our youth. India is elated! Heartiest congratulations!
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2021
Though cricket is the lifeblood of Indian society, it can sometimes be a curse. Due to its extreme popularity in the country, other sports get left out. The importance of every sport is unique in itself and invaluable. However, the government has realised its mistake and has made efforts to promote other sports by implementing the IPL format in sports such as Indian Super League (football), the Hockey India League (hockey), Premier Badminton League (badminton), the Pro Wrestling League (wrestling), the Ultimate Table Tennis League (table tennis), and the Pro Volleyball League (volleyball), but many of them are yet to achieve the success level of cricket.
India, in the last few years, has made steady progress in the field of sports. This tremendous potential of every sport needs to be showcased on a global platform. India has won 7 medals in the Tokyo Olympics, 2020. The historic win by Neeraj’s astonishing throw of 87.58 meters will definitely pave a way for more investment in sports in India.
Neeraj’s win has proved that India has a vast untapped potential in future athletes. India’s future in sports looks brighter as more of this untapped potential can be brought to the fore. Neeraj’s victory will encourage more people to get indulged in diverse arenas in sports, represent India and display their talent on a global platform. Neeraj Chopra has shown the path of success to the next generation, and many will be willing to walk the path. It is now up to the sports federations in India to give them a platform and guide them.
