Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win Olympic gold in athletics with a final throw of 87.58 m to finish ahead of the Czech Republic duo of Jakub Vadlejch and Vitezslav Vesely on Saturday at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 23-year-old from Haryana has ended India’s 100-year wait for a medal in athletics at the Olympics. The country is celebrating the win of the javelin thrower, who dominated his competitors from the first throw itself.

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Soon after Chopra’s impressive victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “History has been scripted at Tokyo! What Neeraj Chopra has achieved today will be remembered forever…”

“Unprecedented win by Neeraj Chopra!Your javelin gold breaks barriers and creates history. You bring home first ever track and field medal to India in your first Olympics. Your feat will inspire our youth. India is elated! Heartiest congratulations!” Indian President Ramnath Kovind tweeted. 

“We are in awe!” tweeted Minister Piyush Goyal.

Also read: Neeraj Chopra wins gold, ends India’s 100-year wait for Olympic medal in athletics

Former cricketer Anil Kumble celebrated the win with a “wow”.

For most users, it was an answer to their prayers.

Neeraj Chopra brought India its first gold medal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020 and also the country’s second individual gold medal in Olympic history after shooter Abhinav Bindra at Beijing in 2008. With this gold, India’s medal tally has reached seven in the ongoing Games – the country’s highest ever, beating the tally of six medals won at the London Games in 2012.

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Neeraj Chopra started off with a throw of 87.03, and second one was bigger and better at 87.58 am. His third throw was 76.79. Chopra’s fourth and fifth attempts were foul throws, but he continued to top the leaderboard.