Neeraj Chopra has arguably become India’s greatest sportsperson of all time but the slightest reference makes the newly-crowned World Champion uncomfortable.
On Sunday night, the man with the gold arm scripted history again as hurled the javelin to a distance of 88.17m to become the first Indian to win the coveted yellow metal in World Athletics Championships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tweeted his congratulations
The talented @Neeraj_chopra1 exemplifies excellence. His dedication, precision and passion make him not just a champion in athletics but a symbol of unparalleled excellence in the entire sports world. Congrats to him for winning the Gold at the World Athletics Championships. pic.twitter.com/KsOsGmScER
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2023
Chopra, who is known for his humility besides his world conquering skills with javelin, won the coveted world title with a solid throw of 88.17m in Budapest on Sunday night.
He is also the first track and field athlete from India to win an Olympic gold. There is no doubt over who is the all-time greatest Indian track and field athlete but the ever modest Chopra doesn’t want to get involved in that debate.
Indian athletes have won a total of three medals at the marquee event so far, with Chopra accounting for two of those – one silver and one gold. Legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George had won a bronze in the 2003 edition.
