Neeraj Chopra becomes first-ever Indian to win gold at World Athletics Championships

'Golden Boy of Indian Athletics’: From living in village at Khandra in Haryana to the top of the Olympic podium at the Tokyo Olympics, India’s ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra once again made India proud and scripted history by capturing gold medal at the World Athletics Championships and edging out Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem by less than a meter at the final of men's javelin throw event in Budapest. 

By Neeraj Chopra’s s massive javelin throw, India became first-ever country to clinch gold medal at World Athletics Championships. 

Neeraj recorded his best throw of 88.17 m in his second attempt and managed to keep his lead intact till the very end. Nadeem, the Commonwealth Games champion with 87.82 m got a silver medal. Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch secured the bronze with the best throw of 86.67 m. 

Now, India has medals of all colours at the World Championships. This is Neeraj's second medal at the World Championships after he secured silver last year. Last year, the 25-year-old Tokyo Olympic medalist had won the silver medal at the World Championships in Eugene.  

Neeraj has already won gold at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games and also secured victory with 88.67 m throw and clinched Doha Diamond League title. 

Neeraj Chopra's father brims with pride

After the 'golden boy of Indian athletics' won the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, the father of Neeraj Chopra, Satish Kumar said that the event was a proud moment for the country.

"This is a very proud moment for our country as we got a gold medal in the World Championship as well. We will celebrate once Neeraj comes back to India," said proud father. 

Visuals show the athlete's father brimming with pride, as relatives and friends pour in their wishes and congratulatory messages.

"He exemplifies excellence"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra after he clinched his and the country's first gold medal in the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest. 

Neeraj recorded his best throw of 88.17 metres in his second attempt and managed to hold his lead till the very end.

Taking to his official handle on X, PM Modi posted, "The talented @Neeraj_chopra1 exemplifies excellence. His dedication, precision and passion make him not just a champion in athletics but a symbol of unparalleled excellence in the entire sports world. Congrats to him for winning the Gold at the World Athletics Championships."

The moment will be remembered forever in Indian sporting history

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur also took to his social media platform 'X' and congratulated the young athlete saying that the moment will be remembered forever in Indian sporting history.

"Neeraj Chopra does it again! 88.17 Meters. The golden boy of Indian athletics wins the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. With this, Neeraj Chopra becomes 1st athlete to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships.

The entire nation is proud of your achievements and this moment will be remembered forever in Indian sporting history," said Anurag Thakur on 'X'.

Neeraj Chopra makes us proud again!!

The Indian Army also took to 'X' and said, "Neeraj Chopra makes us proud again!! IndianArmy congratulates Subedar Neeraj Chopra on bagging Gold Medal in Men's Javelin at the World Athletics Championship 2023 in Budapest with a throw of 88.17 meters."