Today marks a historic day for India. Neeraj Chopra, a javelin thrower, earned a historic gold medal in athletics, becoming India’s second-ever individual Olympic gold medalist after shooter Abhinav Bindra, who brought similar fame to India during the 2008 Beijing Games. PV Sindhu came close to joining Bindra on the elite list in Rio Olympics but fell short.
The 23-year-old from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana stunned the sports world by throwing 87.58 metres in the finals, ending India’s 100-year wait for an Olympic track and field medal.
With this historic win, the country has now exceeded its previous highest haul of six medals from the 2012 London Olympics. Wrestler Bajrang Punia had won India’s 6th medal. As Neeraj Chopra scripted history making the Tokyo 2020 Games India’s best-ever Olympics campaign, congratulatory messages have started to pour in.
PM Narendra Modi took to Twitter to write: 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.
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 https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2021
“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”, Tweeted former Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.
History has been made, Milkha Singh Ji’s wish is fulfilled as India wins first ever Olympic medal in Athletics!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 7, 2021
A golden moment 4 India as Neeraj Chopra won Olympic Gold medal for India at #Tokyo2020
Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on this historic achievement! #Cheer4India ?? pic.twitter.com/Uyz2JX06VE
The Indian Army has congratulated the Gold Medalist as well, its own Subedar.
#Proud
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 7, 2021
General MM Naravane #COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy congratulate Subedar Neeraj Chopra on winning Nation’s first ever #GoldMedal in #Javelin in Olympics with a throw of 87.58 meters at #TokyoOlympics.#MissionOlympics#Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/HUotK29P4K
Others have congratulated the athlete on his incredible achievement as well.
India's first ever gold in athletics! Absolutely elated and proud! @Neeraj_chopra1's name is etched in history forever.. Bravo!! ??? #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/mSqMi3Pm70
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) August 7, 2021
The Golden boy of India ??
— Pushpa (@PushpaMovie) August 7, 2021
A path-breaking moment, First ever athletics #goldmedal ?
Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on creating history. #ThaggedheLe ??#TeamIndia #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/WWBlmImH2F
Meanwhile, celebrations are underway at Neeraj Chopra’s house.
Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal win marked an end to India’s run in Tokyo Olympics 2020. Silver-medal winner Mirabai Chanu had won the first medal for the country. Shuttler PV Sindhu, Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, Indian men’s hockey team and wrestler Bajrang Punia won bronze medals. Wrestler Ravi Dahiya won the silver medal.
With this remarkable win, Neeraj Chopra will be taking the flag for India at the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony.
