NEERAJ CHOPRA BIOGRAPHY | AGE, EARLY LIFE, CAREER, AWARDS, MEDALS AND MORE |

Introduction:

Neeraj Chopra, the name that resonates with greatness in Indian athletics, etched his name into history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As the first and only track and field athlete from India to win an Olympic gold medal, Neeraj achieved this extraordinary feat in the men’s javelin event with an incredible throw of 87.58 meters. Not only did he secure India’s first-ever gold in athletics, but he also became the first Asian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in men’s javelin throw.

Neeraj Chopra Early Life and Education:

Born on 24th December 1997 in Khandra village, located in the Panipat district of Haryana, Neeraj Chopra hails from a humble Haryanvi Ror family deeply rooted in agriculture. Growing up with his two sisters, Neeraj’s father worked as a farmer to sustain the family. He pursued his early education at BVN Public School and later attended DAV College in Chandigarh. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar.

Discovering Javelin Throw: 

Neeraj’s journey toward greatness started when he stumbled upon captivating YouTube videos showcasing the exceptional talents of legendary javelin throw athletes such as Jan Zelezny and Andreas Thorkildsen. Inspired and captivated by their prowess, he made the decision to pursue the sport himself. At the tender age of 12, Neeraj embarked on his training journey under the guidance of coach Naseem Ahmed at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. Even at such a young age, his talent and potential were evident, as he broke the national junior record with a throw of 68.46 meters at the National Junior Athletics Championships in 2012.

Joining the Indian Army: 

In 2016, Neeraj Chopra joined the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) with the rank of Naib Subedar in the esteemed Rajputana Rifles regiment. The Army recognized his exceptional talent and performance, offering him a direct appointment after his impressive showing at the South Asian Games that year.

Neeraj Chopra Gold Medal and World Record:

Neeraj’s career skyrocketed in 2016 when he secured the gold medal at the World U-20 Championships held in Bydgoszcz, Poland. His throw of 86.48 meters not only secured the victory but also set a world U-20 record. Neeraj became the first Indian athlete to achieve a world record and win a gold medal at any world athletics event, laying the foundation for his future accomplishments.

Asian Athletics Championships: 

In 2017, Neeraj Chopra added another milestone to his growing list of achievements by winning the gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, India. With a throw of 85.23 meters, he showcased his exceptional talent on the continental stage. Although he narrowly missed out on a spot in the final round of the World Championships in London, his performance reaffirmed his status as a rising star in the field of javelin throw.

Dominating the Commonwealth and Asian Games:

The year 2018 proved to be a monumental one for Neeraj Chopra as he etched his name in the annals of sporting history. He triumphed at three major events, starting with the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, where he achieved a throw of 86.47 meters to claim the gold medal. Neeraj’s dominance continued at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he outperformed his competitors with a throw of 88.06 meters to secure another gold medal. Adding to his accolades, he emerged victorious at the Sotteville Athletics Meet in France with a throw of 85.17 meters. Neeraj became the first Indian athlete to win gold medals in both the Commonwealth and Asian Games in javelin throw.

Overcoming Adversity: 

The year 2019 posed a significant challenge for Neeraj as he suffered an elbow injury that required surgery and kept him out of action for most of the year. As a result, he had to forgo the World Championships in Doha and the Asian Championships in Doha to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Comeback and Qualification for Tokyo Olympics:

Neeraj Chopra made an inspiring comeback in 2020, showcasing his mettle once again. He secured qualification for the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.86 meters at the Athletics Central North East Meeting League competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa. This marked his return to the international stage, preparing to take on the world’s best javelin throwers.

Neeraj Chopra Setting National Records:

In 2021, Neeraj continued to push his limits, setting a new personal best and national record with a throw of 88.07 meters at the Indian Grand Prix IV in Patiala. His exceptional form extended to the international stage, where he clinched gold medals at three prestigious events: the Lisbon Athletics Meet in Portugal with a throw of 83.18 meters, the Kuortane Games in Finland with a throw of 86.79 meters, and the Meeting Cidade de Lisboa in Portugal with a throw of 83.50 meters. These performances solidified his status as a formidable competitor in the global athletics arena.

Neeraj Chopra Making History:

The pinnacle of Neeraj Chopra’s career arrived at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022. With an astounding throw of 87.58 meters, he not only secured the gold medal but also maintained his lead throughout the competition. Neeraj became the first Indian track and field athlete to win an Olympic medal and only the second individual sportsperson to win an Olympic gold for India, following in the footsteps of shooter Abhinav Bindra. His historic achievement brought immense pride and joy to the nation.

Neeraj Chopra Achievements:

Neeraj Chopra’s exceptional talent and contribution to Indian athletics have garnered numerous accolades and awards. In 2022, he was honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the highest military award for distinguished service. In 2018, he received the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), a military award for distinguished service. Neeraj has also been a recipient of prestigious sporting honors, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2018 and the Arjuna Award in 2017. Additionally, he has been recognized by renowned organizations such as CNN-News18, GQ, Forbes India, Times of India, and ESPN India through various awards and acknowledgments.

Neeraj Chopra as a Role Model:

Neeraj Chopra’s awe-inspiring journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for millions of Indians and a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion. His golden performance at the Tokyo Olympics not only brought glory and pride to the nation but also established him as a role model for aspiring athletes. Neeraj’s remarkable accomplishments and unwavering spirit make him a legend in the making and a shining star of Indian athletics.

Neeraj Chopra Legacy:

Neeraj Chopra, the golden boy of Indian athletics, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting landscape. From his humble beginnings in a small village to becoming an Olympic gold medalist, his journey showcases the triumph of talent, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of an athlete. Neeraj’s remarkable achievements have inspired generations to dream big and strive for greatness. As he continues to excel on the global stage, his enduring legacy will inspire future athletes to reach for the stars and make their mark in the world of athletics.