Neeraj Chopra: The Man with the Golden Arm who launched Indian Athletics to greater heights

When Abhinav Bindra ended India's long wait for an individual Olympic gold at Beijing in 2008, the nation’s expectations soared.

However, the disappointments of 2012 and 2016 dampened hopes until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when Neeraj Chopra stepped up on the penultimate day to bring home India's first athletics gold! This momentous achievement had been at least four years in the making.

From being teased for obesity as a child to winning medals as a teenager, Neeraj Chopra's journey is a testament to his incredible talent and determination.

His fellow athletes and coaches quickly recognized his potential. In 2016, he clinched his first gold at the South Asian Games in Guwahati, narrowly missing the Olympic qualifying mark.

However, in July that year, he shattered the world junior record with a throw of 86.48 metres at the U-20 World Championships in Poland, just a week too late for the Rio Olympics.

Despite an injury-plagued 2017, Chopra made a remarkable comeback in 2018, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Indian to do so.

Later that year, he served as India's flag bearer at the Asian Games and secured another gold. Expectations soared as Tokyo 2020 approached after a pandemic-induced delay, and Chopra delivered in spectacular fashion.

With a javelin throw of 87.03 metres on his first attempt, Neeraj Chopra brought euphoria to billions of Indians. His second throw improved to 87.58 metres, securing the first athletics gold for India. This historic achievement marked a new era for Indian athletics.

Chopra's success continued with impressive performances in the Diamond League and World Championships. His achievements have not only elevated the profile of athletics in India but also redefined the possibilities in Indian sports.

Neeraj Chopra's legacy has ignited a passion for athletics that will inspire generations to come, making him a true icon and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the nation.