Neeraj Chopra the 23-year-old athlete created history with an Olympic Gold Medal in Javelin throw at Tokyo Olympics. Chopra earmarked the first-ever athletics medal for India and the second-ever individual Olympic gold medal after Abhinav Bindra’s gold in shooting in Beijing 2008, defeating Johannes Vetter of Germany’s throw of 82.52m. He kicked off with 87.03m and then achieved the 87.58m mark in the second attempt to win the gold medal. Meanwhile, Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic earned a silver marking of 86.67m while Vitezslav Vesele earned bronze marking at 85.44m.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020”.
India scored glory as weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal. While badminton champion PV Sindhu and boxer Lovlina Borgohain too won a bronze medal. The Indian men’s hockey team won the bronze medal after a gap of 41 years, while wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya won a silver and a bronze from Wrestler Bajrang Punia.
India faced a few big disappointments too as Golfer Aditi Ashok narrowly missed out on a medal by finishing fourth in the women’s stroke play. Shooters drew a total blank despite being strong contenders. The archery team struggled to make a mark, even after Deepika Kumari participated in the much-anticipated quarter-final.
India had high expectations from contenders like Wrestler Vinesh Phogat and boxer Amit Panghal. The women’s hockey team were very close to winning a historic medal finishing a creditable 4th. Kamalpreet Kaur ended on a relatively respectable 6th in women’s discus throw.
With Chopra’s grand achievement on the last day of the Olympic Schedule, India signs off with seven medals including – Two silver: Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting: Women’s 49kg) & Ravi Dahiya (wrestling: Men’s 57 kg freestyle) and Four Bronze: Bajrang Punia (Wrestling: Men’s 65kg freestyle); Men’s Hockey Team; Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing: Women’s Welterweight); P.V Sindhu (women’s badminton singles )
India has the worst population to medals ratio in the world. Let us hope the Neeraj’s heroics provide a much needed stimulus not only to our society but also the decision making power centres of our country.
Edited by: Mohammed Sajid