After Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw final at the prestigious World Athletics Championships in Eugene on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showered him with admiration.
In his fourth attempt, Neeraj finished second in the men’s javelin throw final with a distance of 88.13 metres.
The prime minister tweeted, “A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopral 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.”
CM Yogi Adityanath also took it to Twitter to praise Chopra, “”In today’s #WorldAthleticsChampionships Neeraj Chopra Ji created history by winning silver medal in Javelin throw event. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to you for this unforgettable achievement that is We are proud of you. Jai Hind! @Neeraj_chopral.”
The medalist was applauded by Anurag Thakur and JP Nadda.
The Olympic medalist got things started with a foul throw, 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 also made history by becoming the first track and field athlete from India to win a medal at a major championship, and the second Indian to place on the podium after the great long jumper Anju Bobby George, who took third place in the 2003 World Championships in Paris.