Neeraj Chopra clinched a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024, solidifying his status as one of India’s premier athletes. On August 8, 2024, Chopra recorded a season-best throw of 89.45 meters, but it was not enough to defend his title as he was bested by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters.
Chopra’s performance was marked by challenges; he fouled on five of his six attempts in the final. Despite these difficulties, his single legal throw secured him the silver and made him the first Indian athlete to win medals in consecutive Olympics, following his gold medal victory in Tokyo 2020.
The achievement drew widespread acclaim from Indian leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride, stating, “Neeraj Chopra is excellence personified! India is elated that he comes back with yet another Olympic success.” President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated him, highlighting his inspirational journey and historic accomplishment.
Chopra’s family shared their joy, with his mother, Saroj Devi, expressing that for them, “silver is also equal to gold,” reflecting their pride in his performance despite the injury challenges he faced leading up to the Games. His father, Satish Kumar, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pride in their son’s achievement.
This silver medal adds to India’s growing legacy in athletics, as Chopra joins an elite group of athletes who have won multiple Olympic medals. His rivalry with Nadeem, who previously won silver at the World Championships, adds an exciting chapter to their competitive history.
As the Paris Olympics continue, Chopra’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation, demonstrating resilience and determination on the global stage.