Neeraj Chopra on Monday (August 27) became the first Indian javelin thrower to secure a gold medal in 2018 Asian Games. Chopra, who is a farmer's son and belongs from a small village near Panipat in Haryana, broke his own national record by clearing a distance of 88.06m in his third attempt to win the gold.
This was the second track and field gold for India in this year’s Asian Games. On Saturday (August 25), India got their seventh gold medal in 2018 Asian Games by winning the men's shot put event with a record throw of 20.75m in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Chopra's gold is India's only second medal in the javelin throw in Asian Games history. Prior to this, Gurtej Singh won a bronze in 1982 in Delhi.
Neeraj Chopra’s win had social media buzzing with many cricketers tweeting to congratulate the javelin thrower.
Here are some of the tweets:
What a throw by #NeerajChopra to win the 1st Javelin Gold???? Medal for India???????? at the Asian Games. You’ve done India proud. Congratulations to #DharunAyyasamy, #NeenaVarakil and #SudhaSingh on their Silver???? Medals. #AsianGames2018
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 27, 2018
Many congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for the spectacular throw and winning us a GOLD Medal (in Javelin Throw). We are all very proud of you Neeraj.#AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/hHA22Ann6a
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 27, 2018
Proud moment for India as @Neeraj_chopra1 brings home yet another Gold and this time in Javelin throw. I'm told he's just 20 years of age. #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/u1SZLFbIRc
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) August 27, 2018
All put your hands together for #NeerajChopra. Another gold.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 27, 2018
And the champion makes us proud once again with a throw of 88.06 m
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 27, 2018
and giving us a Gold. So proud of you @Neeraj_chopra1 #AsianGames2018 https://t.co/yLTp8rQsCc
Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for getting us the first ever GOLD MEDAL in javelin throw. #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/dYkusO1MDi
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 27, 2018
What a delight to watch you throw #Javelin and clinch a gold for India ????????????
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) August 27, 2018
Heartiest congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 ! You nailed it! #AsianGames2018 #Athletics #RecordBreaking #NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/rhxk3tl7zJ
Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for winning our 8th Gold ???? at the #AsianGames2018
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 27, 2018
Even more special that this is our first-ever javelin throw Gold. pic.twitter.com/Ut7QkSFHZk