Neeraj Chopra Creates History, India Wins First Athletic Gold At Olympics

By Himanshu Pal

Neeraj Chopra, VSM, has become the first ever Indian track and field athlete to win a GOLD medal at Olympics. Subedar Neeraj Chopra created history after he clinched the gold in javelin throw with an attempt of 87.58 metres.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Neeraj Chopra, he wrote on Twitter, "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What Neeraj Chopra 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."

Subedar Neeraj Chopra VSM, represented India in Athletics (Men's Javelin Throw), at the Tokyo Olympics. He has become the first track and field athlete to win a gold medal for the country. Soon after the news of his historic victory at Olympics, his native village in Panipat Haryana, erupted into celebrations. Also, Famous personalities across the country took to social media to hail the Star Olympian.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated Neeraj Chopra on his victory. He also announced a 6 crore reward money and 'A Grade' post in government service for Chopra.

Interestingly, India's two gold medal-winning Olympians have a Chandigarh connection — Neeraj Chopra and shooter Abhinav Bindra.Shooter Abinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra who won the gold in Beijing in 2008, grew up in the Chandigarh suburb Zirakpur and Chopra studied at the DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh.