BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - In a dazzling display of athletic prowess, India's own Neeraj Chopra catapulted himself into the annals of history by securing the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships 2023 held in Budapest, Hungary. This remarkable feat unfolded on a sun-soaked Sunday that will forever be etched in the memories of sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Executing a masterful throw that soared to an astonishing distance of 88.17 meters, the reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra etched his name in golden letters as the very first Indian athlete to ascend the pinnacle of victory at the senior world championships. This monumental achievement adds yet another illustrious chapter to his ever-expanding collection of groundbreaking accomplishments.
With this triumph, Neeraj Chopra completes a historic collection, standing as a testament to his unparalleled prowess in the realm of javelin throwing. Having already captured the crown of Olympic and world championship glory, as well as the coveted Diamond League title, his victory here harmonizes seamlessly with his triumphs in the Asian Athletics Championships (2017), Asian Games (2018), and Commonwealth Games (2018).
Venturing into the battlegrounds of Budapest '23, Neeraj Chopra was no stranger to the spotlight. He had previously secured his position as the inaugural Indian track and field athlete to seize gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, to conquer the Diamond League throne in 2022, and to reign supreme in the junior world championships of 2016.
In his elation, Neeraj Chopra shared his thoughts, stating, "This triumph is extraordinary. Following my Olympic gold, clinching the world championships was a burning desire. My aim was to propel the javelin even farther. While this is a moment of glory for our national team, it has always been my personal dream to seize the world championship gold."
He added, "This championship has unfolded as a magnificent chapter for India, and I am immensely proud to contribute another title to my nation. I remain humble, recognizing that the title of the best thrower here is a distinction I share with remarkable peers. My aspiration was to surpass the 90-meter mark tonight, yet achieving that requires the harmonious convergence of every puzzle piece. Regrettably, the pieces didn't synchronize this evening. But, as they say, there's always a 'next time'."
Neeraj Chopra, who commands the men's javelin national record at an impressive 89.94 meters, had previously secured the silver medal in the previous year's world championships in Oregon. This silver marked a watershed moment as India's debut on the global track and field stage. It followed the trailblazing performance of Anju Bobby George, who secured bronze in women's long jump at Paris 2003, India's initial medal in the global athletics showcase.
After an initial foul, Neeraj Chopra conjured his exceptional prowess, launching the javelin to a staggering 88.17 meters, an effort that solidified his position at the apex and kept him unchallenged throughout the exhilarating final.
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the reigning champion of the Commonwealth Games, earned the silver medal, showcasing his mettle with a season's best throw of 87.82 meters. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch secured the bronze, embellishing his name with an impressive throw of 86.67 meters.
In an awe-inspiring testament to India's prowess in javelin throwing, the contingent's two other athletes in the illustrious 12-man javelin throw final in Budapest made their mark. Kishore Jena secured the fifth position with an outstanding personal best of 84.77 meters, while DP Manu claimed the sixth spot with a commendable throw of 84.14 meters.Annu Rani: India's Javelin Queen's 31st Birthday!