Neeraj Chopra: India's Golden Arm
August 2, 2024
In the realm of Indian sports (where cricket is king), Neeraj Chopra is a hero apart. Unlike most of India's celebrated athletes, who derive their fame from cricket, Chopra has made a name for himself with exceptional skills in javelin throwing. Hailing from a nation where cricket is a religion, Chopra did not play much of it and instead concentrated on his throws. He observes that having a "fast arm" is common among Indians, which works well for both cricket and javelin throwing.
Chopra's rise to stardom has been stellar. In a country where there are more than 125 million people who follow cricket, he mesmerized them all. His skill and dedication led him to clinch an Olympic gold at Tokyo three years back making history as the first Asian ever to win one in javelin. He solidified his legacy last year by becoming the first Indian to win a world title in track and field at the World Championships in Budapest. His consistent success has made him a beloved figure in India, celebrated nationwide every August 7, the day he won his Olympic gold, now recognized as National Javelin Day.
Chopra’s rise to fame is even more remarkable considering India’s limited history in track and field events. Prior to Chopra, India’s Olympic successes were mainly in field hockey and wrestling. However, Chopra has sparked genuine excitement and national pride each time he competes. His widespread popularity is evident as even during Diamond League events, Indian fans stay up late to watch him compete. Veteran journalist Norris Pritam notes that Chopra is now considered India’s favorite sportsperson, a significant feat in a country where cricket is akin to a religion.
Growing up in the rural village of Khandra in Haryana, Chopra was initially involved in cricket and volleyball. His childhood was marked by obesity, leading many to doubt his potential in sports. However, his life changed when he came across a javelin travelling through the sky at a stadium in Panipat. This sight ignited a passion within him, leading his family to pool resources to buy him a steel javelin. Without formal training or a sporting background in his village, Chopra relied on YouTube videos to refine his technique, practicing tirelessly in fields near his home.
Chopra's dedication paid off as he moved to a sports academy in Panchkula, where his skills rapidly improved. His resume now includes two Asian Games titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, in addition to his Olympic and world titles. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Chopra remains focused on maintaining his health and training diligently, unfazed by the pressure of defending his title. His final goal is to exceed the 90-meter mark in javelin, a milestone achieved by veryfew men in history.
Despite his international success, Chopra's influence in India is immense. His face adorns billboards, and he is a brand ambassador for numerous products and causes. His achievements have inspired many young Indians to take up athletics, hoping to emulate his success. Chopra's humble acknowledgment of his impact and his continued dedication to his sport underscore his status as a national hero, with his legacy only expected to grow if he secures another Olympic gold.
Chopra's rise to stardom has been stellar. In a country where there are more than 125 million people who follow cricket, he mesmerized them all. His skill and dedication led him to clinch an Olympic gold at Tokyo three years back making history as the first Asian ever to win one in javelin. He solidified his legacy last year by becoming the first Indian to win a world title in track and field at the World Championships in Budapest. His consistent success has made him a beloved figure in India, celebrated nationwide every August 7, the day he won his Olympic gold, now recognized as National Javelin Day.
Chopra’s rise to fame is even more remarkable considering India’s limited history in track and field events. Prior to Chopra, India’s Olympic successes were mainly in field hockey and wrestling. However, Chopra has sparked genuine excitement and national pride each time he competes. His widespread popularity is evident as even during Diamond League events, Indian fans stay up late to watch him compete. Veteran journalist Norris Pritam notes that Chopra is now considered India’s favorite sportsperson, a significant feat in a country where cricket is akin to a religion.
Growing up in the rural village of Khandra in Haryana, Chopra was initially involved in cricket and volleyball. His childhood was marked by obesity, leading many to doubt his potential in sports. However, his life changed when he came across a javelin travelling through the sky at a stadium in Panipat. This sight ignited a passion within him, leading his family to pool resources to buy him a steel javelin. Without formal training or a sporting background in his village, Chopra relied on YouTube videos to refine his technique, practicing tirelessly in fields near his home.
Chopra's dedication paid off as he moved to a sports academy in Panchkula, where his skills rapidly improved. His resume now includes two Asian Games titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, in addition to his Olympic and world titles. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Chopra remains focused on maintaining his health and training diligently, unfazed by the pressure of defending his title. His final goal is to exceed the 90-meter mark in javelin, a milestone achieved by veryfew men in history.
Despite his international success, Chopra's influence in India is immense. His face adorns billboards, and he is a brand ambassador for numerous products and causes. His achievements have inspired many young Indians to take up athletics, hoping to emulate his success. Chopra's humble acknowledgment of his impact and his continued dedication to his sport underscore his status as a national hero, with his legacy only expected to grow if he secures another Olympic gold.