Jobaaj Stories
India boasts numerous young talents, including track and field athlete Neeraj Chopra, who became the first Indian athlete to win gold at the World Athletics Championship in 2023. India, which is already making its unique mark in the world, felt proud once again as the field in Budapest cheered its name.
While beaming with joy, Neeraj credited all the success to India and the people who have been supporting him. Neeraj Chopra is an Indian track and field athlete who has made everyone happy by winning back-to-back championships, particularly in javelin throwing. He had won Olympic Gold in Tokyo 2020, breaking the national record. And it's very exciting to learn about the "behind the scenes" of his journey from the beginning.
Back to his childhood
The athlete was born in Haryana to the Haryanvi Ror Family, who were primarily farmers. He attended BVN Public School before enrolling at Dayanand Anglo Vedic College. As of 2021, he is a Bachelor of Arts student at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab. Neeraj had registered at a gym with his father in Madlauda for weight reasons but then transferred to a gym in Panipat. During this time, he saw some Javelin throwers at Shivaji Stadium in Panipat who inspired him to compete. The Indian Army gave him a straight appointment as a JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer) in Rajputana Riffles with the rank of Naib Subedar after being impressed with Neeraj Chopra's performance in South Asian games. Neeraj Chopra accepted the offer and enlisted in the army's sports quota.
Inception as an Athlete
The athlete's first coach, Akshay Choudhary, saw his promise and trained Neeraj Chopra. They trained in Javelin throwing together in 2010’s winter. As a result, at the district championships, he got his first medal, a bronze medal. As the journey progressed, he was given the incredible opportunity to train with Naseem Ahmad at the SportsTau Devi Lal sports complex in Panchkula. Naseem Ahmad not only assisted him in enhancing his Javelin throwing capabilities but also in improving his long-distance running abilities. Later, from 2017 to 2018, Neeraj was coached by German Legend Uwe Hohn, while since 2019, he has been working with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz.
National Achievements
Neeraj Chopra has represented India all around the world through his participation in global sporting programs. And here are the honors he has received:
1. He received the Arjuna Award in 2018.
2. On the momentous day of Republic Day in 2020, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.
3. Later that year, in 2021, he received India's highest athletic distinction, the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award.
4. On the occasion of Republic Day in 2022, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
5. He was then awarded the Padma Shri (the 4th highest civilian award).
The Best Javelin thrower represents India
Neeraj Chopra's main specialty is javelin throwing, and he has represented India in numerous international competitions for the same from 2013 to the present. In 2018, he competed in the World U18 Championships and finished 19th. He represented India in the Asia Championships in 2015. After that year, he advanced to represent India in three South Asian games, the Asian U20 Championships, and the Asian Championships.
Neeraj Chopra has competed in a variety of competitions, including the Asian Games, Olympic Games, and World Championships, and has left a lasting impression with his outstanding performance.
Neeraj Chopra has been making our country proud since he was a child. He has been consistent in his efforts to improve his athletic abilities and capabilities. From earning honors to being named TOISA Sportsperson of the Year in 2021 in the Times of India. He has nailed everything. He has been named a Friendship Ambassador by Switzerland Tourism, and his recent success at the World Athletics Championship has created another memorable moment for India.
Overall, Neeraj Chopra is a very grounded person with so much talent, and his statement about winning the gold medal in the World Athletics Championship proves his eternal love for our country. The statement is as follows:
“By winning these medals, I should not think that I have achieved everything. I will work harder, push myself harder to win more medals, and bring more laurels to my country. If other Indians join me on the podium next time, that will be great”.
Written by Gauri Singhal
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