Guwahati: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra scripted history again on Sunday by winning the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw final at the prestigious World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon.
It was Neeraj’s fourth attempt and he secured second position recorded a distance of 88.13m.
He began the proceedings with a foul throw and then threw 82.39 metres and 86.37 metres. His distance of 88.13m, which put him in the running for the silver medal, was finally recorded on the fourth attempt.
Neeraj’s final two tries resulted in foul throws, placing him in second place. Anderson Peters of Grenada, the reigning champion, took the first spot with a distance of 90.54 metres.
Neeraj also became the second Indian after Anju Bobby George to win a medal at the World Championships and the first track & field athlete from India to ever win a silver medal.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter to congratulate Neeraj Chopra for winning the historic silver medal. He wrote, “A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours.”
A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes!
Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours. https://t.co/odm49Nw6Bx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2022
Congratulating Chopra, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to twitter and wrote, “India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar @Neeraj_chopra1. Congratulations to him on winning the Silver Medal at the #WorldAthleticsChampionships in Eugene, Oregon. His hard work, grit and determination have yielded outstanding results. We are proud of him.”
On the other hand, the Olympic gold medalist’s friends and family were spotted in his birthplace of Panipat celebrating his victory.