Neeraj Chopra made headlines once again on July 24, when he became the first Indian athlete since Anju Bobby George in 2003, to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. The 24-year-old javelin thrower produced his best throw with 88.13 metres, clinching the silver medal.

However, this is not the first time when Chopra became a national favourite. It was his heroics in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when he won the gold medal and became India’s first sportsperson to win a medal in athletics at the games to come into the limelight. He also became the first Indian athlete to win an individual gold medal since Abhinav Bindra, who won a gold in the 2008 Olympics. But, how has Chopra fared in between his Olympics and the World Athletics Championships heroics? Let’s find out.

Also Read: Watch: Neeraj Chopra’s throw that earned him silver at WAC

Following the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj Chopra took a brief break from the sport. He was also admitted to a hospital in Panipat after falling ill. After he recuperated, Chopra decided to take a break from the sport, owing to the fatigue and his intention to prepare for the World Athletics Championships 2022.

The 24-year-old resumed his training in October and made a comeback to the circuit in June, 2022, when he participated in the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. Chopra displayed his best self once again, breaking his Olympic record of 87.58 metres, with a throw of 89.30 metres in Finland. It was also his personal best throw at the time, which set a new national record. This helped him win the silver medal at the tournament. 

Chopra also went on to win his first gold medal of the year at the Kuortane Games in Finland, where he produced a 86.69 metres throw, beating world champions Anderson Peters of Grenada for the second time in four days.

The new national record did not last long as Chopra broke it himself in the Stockholm Diamond League later in June. The Indian ace registered a new personal best and a national record of 89.94 metres in Stockholm, as he looked close to finally breaching his aim of 90 metres. He also won his second silver medal of 2022 there.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra wins silver at World Athletics Championships

After the Stockholm Diamond League, Chopra set his sights on the World Athletics Championship, to be organised in Oregon, USA between July 15-24. He registered a best throw of 88.39 meters on July 22 to qualify for the final.

In the final, Chopra produced yet another masterclass, coming from the back to clinch the silver medal with a throw of 88.13 metres in his fourth attempt. However, he was not able to break the 90 metre barrier in the US.

Chopra will be participating in the Commonwealth Games 2022 as part of the Indian contingent from July 28, where he is also expected to be flag-bearer.