Neeraj
Chopra
, India’s Olympic gold winner, won silver at the World Athletics Championship
men’s javelin throw contest on Saturday, July 24, 2022. With this, the
24-year-old Chopra became the second Indian athlete to win a medal at WAC after
Anju Bobby George back in 2003. Following his WAC victory, Chopra said, “While
conditions were not good & the wind speed was too high, I was confident I
would perform well. I am satisfied with the result, I am happy I was able to
win a medal for my country.”

“I will try
to do better at the World Championships next year. I also want to thank SAI
(Sports Authority of India), TOPS, Athletic Federation of India (AFI) and the
government of India for supporting me and allowing me to train abroad. I hope
that we’ll get the same support in other sports so that we can make India proud,”
said Chopra.  

Before
Chopra, it was Anju Bobby George who won a medal for India at the World
Athletics Championship (WAC). The year was 2003 and the tournament was taking
place in Paris, France. Following Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal win, Anju Bobby
George tweeted: “Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for that magic moment…N
welcome to the group..it was a long wait… (sic).”

At the
World Athletics Championship final on Sunday, Neeraj Chopra had a nervous
start
. The Olympic gold winner started with a foul throw and subsequently went
on to throw 82.39m and 86.37m. He was at the fourth place at the end of three
rounds.

When things
seemed bleak, Chopra, like a phoenix, rose through the ashes and delivered an
88.13m throw, his fourth-best effort, to jump to the second place and then hold
the spot. Chopra’s fifth and sixth throws also ended up being fouls.

Following
his silver win, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:

“A great
accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to
@Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic silver medal at the #WorldChampionships.
This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his
upcoming endeavours.”