Budapest, Hungary: In a display of exceptional athleticism and unwavering determination, India’s Neeraj Chopra etched his name in the annals of history yet again by clinching the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. The victory on Sunday marked a monumental milestone, as Chopra became the first Indian athlete to secure gold medal at the senior world championships.
With a stunning best throw measuring an impressive 88.17 metres, the Olympic champion reaffirmed his supremacy in the javelin throw discipline. Chopra’s triumph on the global stage added another illustrious chapter to his remarkable career, which has been punctuated by a series of unprecedented achievements.
.@Neeraj_chopra1 brings home a historic gold for India in the javelin throw 👏#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/YfRbwBBh7Z
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 27, 2023
The coveted gold medal accomplished a remarkable feat for Neeraj Chopra, who can now proudly boast of having claimed every major title in his sport. This exceptional achievement includes his victories at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Diamond League, Asian Athletics Championships (2017), Asian Games (2018), and Commonwealth Games (2018).
Chopra’s entry into the Budapest Championships was already distinguished by his groundbreaking achievements, having been the first Indian track and field athlete to secure a gold medal at the Olympics (Tokyo 2020), the Diamond League title (2022), and the junior world championships (2016).
An elated Neeraj Chopra expressed his sentiments after the victory, stating, “After the Olympic gold, I really wanted to win the world championships. I just wanted to go further. This is brilliant for the national team, but it was my dream to win gold at the world championships”.
Chopra’s journey to gold was not without its moments of challenge. After a faltering first attempt, he rallied back with an astounding throw of 88.17 metres, securing the top position and maintaining his dominance throughout the final round. His performance exemplified not only his physical prowess but also his mental fortitude in the face of adversity.
Sharing the podium with Chopra was Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, who secured the silver medal with a season’s best throw of 87.82 meters. The Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch claimed the bronze medal with a throw measuring 86.67 metres.
Neeraj Chopra’s victory was not the only highlight for India in the men’s javelin throw finals in Budapest. Kishore Jena showcased his mettle by finishing in fifth place with a personal best throw of 84.77 metres, while DP Manu secured the sixth position with a throw of 84.14 metres.
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