NEW DELHI, Aug 7: Words of praise came in from all quarters as ending the long wait of over 100 years to win the elusive medal in athletics, India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Saturday clinched gold medal in the men’s event with a stunning 87.58m effort at the Tokyo Olympics.
This is India’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 games. This is also India’s best-ever Olympic haul with seven medals——one gold, two silvers, and four bronze medals. Previously, Chopra had topped the qualification round with a massive throw of 86.65m. His effort was one of the best performances by an Indian in the Olympics, as he had finished ahead of gold medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany.
Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Olympics in athletics.
Expressing joy at the achievement, President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted from his official handle, “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!”
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said the gold medal won by Neeraj Chopra “ended a long wait” by India. “What an incredible achievement! @Neeraj_chopra1 scripted history & brought glory to India by winning the Gold medal in the Javelin throw at Tokyo Olympics. His outstanding feat has ended a long wait by India for an Olympic medal in track & field events. #Tokyo2020 #NeerajChopra,” his official handle tweeted.
“His extraordinary success fills the hearts of fellow-Indians with boundless joy and pride. Wishing him success for future endeavours!” the Vice-president added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “history has been scripted”. “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,” he tweeted.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur referred to Neeraj Chopra as India’s Golden Boy. “India’s Olympic History has been scripted! Your superbly soaring throw deserves a Billion Cheers ! Your name will be etched in the history books with golden letters,” he tweeted.
Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who earlier handled the sports portfolio, remembered legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, who died in June due to post-Covid complications.
“History has been made, Milkha Singh Ji’s wish is fulfilled as India wins first ever Olympic medal in Athletics! A golden moment 4 India as Neeraj Chopra won Olympic Gold medal for India at #Tokyo2020 Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on this historic achievement! #Cheer4India,” he tweeted.
The official handle of Congress tweeted, #NeerajChopra creates HISTORY! What a stupendous performance to clinch the #Gold Medal in #JavelinThrow at the #OlympicGames. It is the 1st ever individual #Gold in athletics for India at the #Olympics. The nation swells with tremendous joy & pride.”
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter to congratulate Neeraj. “History has been scripted! Beyond proud of Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics 2020. Today, the entire nation shall rejoice in this glorious victory! Many, many Congratulations to you!” she tweeted.
Neeraj Chopra’s Gold is also India’s second-ever individual Gold medal at the Olympics, after Abhinav Bindra in Shooting 13 years ago.
Earlier, Indian golfer Aditi Ashok raised Indians hopes on Saturday for a historic golf medal but lost out on bronze by one shot to Lydia Ko. Bajrang Punia beat Daulet Niyazbekov of Kazakhstan 8:0 in his Bronze medal match to win a sixth medal for India in the Tokyo Games.
Before Saturday, India had won two silver and three bronze medals —Mirabai Chanu and Ravi Dahiya (Silver) and P V Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain and the Indian men’s hockey team (Bronze) — in Tokyo. Saturday is the last event with Indian participation. The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, where Bajrang is set to be India’s flag-bearer.
(Manas Dasgupta)
