Neeraj Chopra wins historic gold in World Athletics Championships
Neeraj Chopra is the first Indian athlete to win gold at the World Athletics Championships. (Image: Neeraj Chopra's Instagram)
Neeraj Chopra made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. He grabbed the top spot by throwing 88.17m in the men’s javelin final, beating Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (87.82m) and Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch (86.67m).
Chopra’s victory is a historic moment for India, and it is a major boost for the country’s athletics plans. He is an inspiration to young athletes all over India, and he shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) November 15, 2017
Neeraj Chopra’s Achievements:
- He is the first Indian athlete to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships since Anju Bobby George won bronze in the women’s long jump in 2003.
- He is the first Asian athlete to win gold in the men’s javelin at the World Championships.
- His throw of 88.17m is the second-best throw in the world this year.
- He is only the second athlete to win gold in the men’s javelin at both the Olympics and the World Championships, after Jan Železný of the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, India wrapped up its participation in the 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships held in the capital city of Hungary from August 19 to 27. Despite a modest medal tally, India’s performance garnered significant attention as Chopra, the reigning Tokyo Olympics champion, clinched a gold medal in the men’s javelin throw competition. This achievement not only marked India’s solitary victory in the championship but also etched Chopra’s name in the annals of history as the first Indian athlete to claim the title of world champion.
India’s performance earned the nation a joint 18th position on the medals table. This prestigious event witnessed the participation of athletes from around the globe competing across various disciplines. The Indian contingent, comprising 27 athletes, including 23 men and 4 women, showcased their skills and resilience on the international stage.
Neeraj Chopra’s golden feat was a standout moment for India, showcasing the nation’s growing prominence in the world of athletics. The victory also resonated with India’s past accomplishments, marking the third-ever medal for the country in the World Athletics Championships. Previously, Anju Bobby George had secured a bronze medal in the long jump event at Paris 2003, and Neeraj Chopra had claimed a silver medal at Oregon 2022.
Another remarkable performance was from the Indian men’s 4x400m relay team which set an Asian record. Additionally, Parul Chaudhary’s exceptional performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase event not only shattered the national record but also exceeded the qualifying standards for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Indian athletics delegation participated in a total of 15 events, encompassing 11 men’s events and 4 women’s events.
The 2023 World Athletics Championships not only highlighted India’s progress in the field of athletics but also celebrated Chopra’s extraordinary achievement. India now looks forward to building upon this success in future competitions.
About Author
