Web Desk
Neeraj Chopra has etched his name in history as India’s most decorated Olympian after winning a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024. His throw of 89.45m secured him the silver, while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem claimed gold with a record-breaking 92.97m throw. This achievement makes Chopra the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win two Olympic medals, adding to the gold he won at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
A Historic Feat
Chopra’s silver in Paris marks a significant milestone in Indian sports history, as he joins the elite list of Indian athletes who have won medals in back-to-back Olympics. Before him, wrestler Sushil Kumar and shuttler PV Sindhu were the only Indian athletes to achieve this feat. Sushil won a bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver in the 2012 London Olympics, while Sindhu secured a silver in the Rio Olympics 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020.
India’s Olympic Legacy
Neeraj Chopra’s success builds on India’s rich Olympic legacy, particularly in men’s field hockey, where the country has clinched 13 Olympic medals. The Indian men’s hockey team won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, continuing the momentum from their bronze at the Tokyo Games 2020. This marks the first time in 52 years that India has won medals in back-to-back Summer Games editions in hockey.
Neeraj Chopra’s Journey
Chopra’s journey from winning gold in Tokyo to securing silver in Paris underscores his consistency and resilience as a top-tier athlete. His achievements have not only brought glory to Indian athletics but also inspired countless young athletes across the country. At just 26 years old, Chopra’s legacy in Indian sports is already monumental, and he continues to be a beacon of hope and pride for the nation.
Looking Ahead
As Neeraj Chopra continues to compete on the global stage, his journey serves as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With two Olympic medals to his name, Chopra has set a new benchmark for Indian athletes and has solidified his place as a true sporting icon in the country. His success in Paris will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian athletes to aim for the highest honors in the world of sports.
