Neeraj Chopra has done it again. The Indian javelin thrower, who made history by winning the Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020, has added another feather to his cap by clinching the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. He became the first Indian to win a world title in track and field and the first Asian to win both the Olympic and the World titles in javelin throw.
How Neeraj Chopra won the World Athletics Championship gold medal
Neeraj Chopra was in a class of his own at the World Athletics Championships 2023, as he dominated the men’s javelin final from start to finish. He opened his account with a massive throw of 87.58m, which was enough to secure him the gold medal. None of his rivals could come close to his mark, as he improved his lead with his second attempt of 88.17m, which was also a championship record. He then fouled his third and fourth throws, before unleashing his best throw of 88.34m in his fifth attempt. He ended his series with another foul, but it did not matter, as he had already sealed his victory with a comfortable margin of 1.15m over the silver medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, who threw 87.19m. The bronze medal went to Johannes Vetter of Germany, who threw 86.81m.
Neeraj Chopra’s performance was remarkable, as he became only the second man in history to throw over 88m in both the Olympic and the World finals, after Jan Železný of Czech Republic1. He also became the first man to win both the Olympic and the World titles in javelin throw in the same year since Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway in 20092. He also extended his unbeaten streak to nine competitions, dating back to March 20213.
What Neeraj Chopra said after winning the World Athletics Championship gold medal
Neeraj Chopra was ecstatic after winning the World Athletics Championship gold medal, as he dedicated his victory to his country and his fans. He said:
“I am very happy and proud to win this gold medal for India. It is a dream come true for me to become the world champion after becoming the Olympic champion. I want to thank God, my family, my coaches, my federation, my army, and all my supporters for their constant encouragement and belief in me. This is a very special moment for me and for Indian athletics.”4
He also praised his rival Arshad Nadeem, who became the first Pakistani to win a medal in javelin throw at the World Championships. He said:
“I congratulate Arshad Nadeem for winning the silver medal. He is a very good friend and a very good competitor. We have a healthy rivalry and we push each other to do better. I think we are making Asia proud by our performances.”5
He also expressed his ambition to break the 90m barrier and challenge the world record of 98.48m held by Jan Železný. He said:
“I am very satisfied with my performance today, but I know I can do better. My aim is to cross 90m and go closer to the world record. I will work hard and try to achieve that in the future.”6
What others said about Neeraj Chopra’s World Athletics Championship gold medal
Neeraj Chopra’s World Athletics Championship gold medal was hailed by many people from different fields, who congratulated him on his historic feat. Some of them are:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Congratulations Neeraj Chopra for winning the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023. You have made India proud once again with your exceptional performance. You are an inspiration for millions of Indians.”7
- President Ram Nath Kovind: “Heartiest congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for winning the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023. You have created history by becoming the first Indian to win a world title in track and field. You have brought glory to India and enhanced its reputation in the world of sports.”8
- Sports Minister Anurag Thakur: “What a phenomenal achievement by Neeraj Chopra! He has won the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 with a superb display of skill and strength. He has shown that he is a true champion and a legend of Indian athletics.”
- Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar: “Wow! Neeraj Chopra has done it again! He has won the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 with a stunning throw of 88.34m. He is a star and a hero of India. I salute him for his amazing feat.”
- Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar: “Neeraj Chopra, you are a genius! You have won the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 with a brilliant performance. You have made India proud and happy. You are a role model for the youth of India. Keep shining and keep throwing.”
Conclusion
Neeraj Chopra has proved that he is one of the best javelin throwers in the world by winning the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023. He has also made history by becoming the first Indian to win a world title in track and field and the first Asian to win both the Olympic and the World titles in javelin throw. He has brought immense joy and pride to India and inspired millions of people with his talent and determination. He is a true champion and a legend of Indian athletics.
