Tokyo-Neeraj Chopra won the best throw of 87.58 meters in the men’s javelin throw on Saturday and won the first ever Olympic athletics gold medal in India.
The Czech Republic’s Yakubu Badreich won the silver medal at 86.67 meters and Vitezlav Vesely won the bronze medal at 85.44 meters.
2018 Commonwealth Champion Chopra took the lead with a throw of 87.03 in the first attempt. This was a distance that no other competitor could achieve in the final, and he won India’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics while his delighted teammates and coaches watched from the stands.
With the medals secured, Budreich and Vessely tried to reach the top of the podium with their final throw, but each fouled.
“It feels incredible,” Chopra said. “This is the first Olympic medal for us for a very long time and the first gold medal in athletics, so it’s a moment of pride for me and my country.”
Chopra, who recorded the best throw of 86.65 in the qualifying round, knew that this week’s game was going in the right direction, but didn’t think the money was certain.
“In the qualifying round, I threw so well that I knew I could do better in the final. I didn’t know it would make money, but I’m very happy.”
After Avinab Bindra won the 10-meter air rifle event at the 2008 Games, Chopra won the second individual Olympic gold medal as an Indian.
“Your performance has further enhanced what is clear throughout the tournament. Our athletes are not only able to reach their toes at their best, but also solidify their position as a favorite,” says Bindra. I’m writing on Twitter.
“Our first individual gold may have taken more than a century to come, but the time it takes to bring back the second gold is relatively short, so our growth as a sports nation has progressed. Indicates that you are. “
Chopra’s victory prompted a celebration among his compatriots, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“History is written in Tokyo!” Modi wrote on Twitter. “Young Niraji is doing very well. He played with amazing passion and showed an unparalleled grit.”
This night was disappointing for Germany’s Johannes Vetter, who was selected on the podium as the only player to throw more than 90 meters in the final. He finished ninth with 82.52.
Amy Tennery
