Neeraj Chopra's Journey to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

Neeraj Chopra shocked everyone when he topped Group A in the men’s Javelin Throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. 

He had the best throw when compared to the rest of the athletes as he only needed a single throw. His throw was recorded at 86.65m. 

However, this was not a shock to everyone, especially those who have followed Neeraj for a few years. With his amazing skills, Neeraj is a prodigy for India who is expected to bring home a Gold medal in javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Who is Neeraj Chopra?

Neeraj Chopra was an ordinary teenager from Khandra, which is a village in India. He was introduced to throwing events at the age of 18 by one of his friends. Thanks to this friend of his, India has got one of the biggest sporting talents ever. 

He used to travel over 15 km just to reach the training ground, he used to take lifts from everyone passing by. 

After turning into a professional athlete, Neeraj also holds the post of Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. 

Neeraj Chopra: Medals Tally in Javelin Throw

At just the age of 23, Neeraj Chopra has got enough gold medals to make him one of the biggest Indian athletes of all time. 

The Indian Javelin throw champion has won almost everything, except an Olympics Medal. He missed out on the 2016 Olympics due to an injury. Hopefully, Neeraj will finally add one of the missing pieces to his accomplishments. 

Neeraj Chopra: Interesting Facts

✪ Neeraj Chopra holds the World Junior Championships record in men’s Javelin Throw.

✪ He was already amongst the top 10 ranked throwers when he was a junior athlete.

✪ Back in 2018, Neeraj Chopra threw a personal best of 88.06m in the Asian Games, which is the national record for Javelin Throw.

✪ The 23-year-old recorded the season’s best in the 2018 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 86.47m.

✪ He topped both groups in the Tokyo Olympics 2021 qualification rounds and is amongst the favorites to win the Gold Medal.

Journey to the Olympics

Before the 2016 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra faced an injury that was predicted to keep him out of the Olympics and Junior World Championships. He was not able to compete in the Olympics but he came back for the Junior World Championships and won the Gold Medal in the men’s Javelin Throw event. 

In the World Junior Championships, Neeraj Chopra broke the javelin throw record with a throw distanced 86.48m. This throw was his personal best at the time. His current best throw is recorded at 88.07m, which is insane and good enough to win a medal if he manages to equal or better his existing record. 

Neeraj Chopra then went onto win gold medals in Javelin Throw at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Championships, and South Asian Games. All of this at the age of just 23 years. 

He has already done his country proud, taking home an Olympic medal would only turn him into a young legend. Even though people have voted Vetter as the favorite to win the Gold, Neeraj Chopra should not be underestimated.