Neeraj Chopra, the celebrated Indian javelin thrower, renowned for his Olympic gold and World Championship triumphs, marks his 26th birthday on December 24 (Sunday). In the past five years, he's not only rewritten records but also solidified his place as arguably one of the greatest Indian athletes to date.
Let's explore some of Neeraj Chopra's remarkable accomplishments:
#1 Commonwealth Games 2018 Gold
At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, Neeraj Chopra made history by clinching India's first-ever gold medal in the javelin throw event. His remarkable throw of 86.47m secured the top spot on the podium, kickstarting his illustrious career.
#2 Asian Games 2018 Gold
Following his triumph at the CWG, Neeraj continued his dominance at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. He secured another gold, outclassing his opponents with a stunning throw of 88.06m, comfortably claiming victory with a considerable lead over China's Liu Qizhen, the silver medallist.
#3 Olympics 2020 Gold
Neeraj Chopra's legacy soared during the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He made history as the first track and field athlete from independent India to bag an Olympic medal in 120 years. His monumental 87.58m throw in the men's javelin secured a historic gold, making him the second individual gold medallist for India at the highest sporting level since Abhinav Bindra in 2008.
#4 World Athletics Championship 2023 Gold
The coveted World Athletics Championships title was the missing piece in Neeraj Chopra's illustrious career. He achieved this milestone in August 2023 during the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Neeraj's exceptional 88.17m throw secured India's first-ever gold medal at the senior championships, adding to his accolades following his earlier success at the junior world championships.
#5 Diamond League Triumphs
Neeraj Chopra's prowess extended to the prestigious Diamond League, where he secured consecutive titles. Despite a month-long injury setback, he claimed the Diamond League title in July 2023 with an 87.66m throw. Previously, he became the first Indian to clinch a Diamond League title in Zurich, showcasing his dominance in the annual track and field athletics series.