Neeraj Chopra has become a symbol of excellence in Indian athletics, particularly in the javelin throw. His journey from a small village in Haryana to the world stage is a story of dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Let’s explore the international medals that have defined Neeraj Chopra’s illustrious career.
1. 2016 South Asian Games – Gold
Neeraj Chopra’s first significant international achievement came at the 2016 South Asian Games held in Guwahati, India. He won the gold medal with a throw of 82.23 meters, setting the tone for his future successes on the global stage.
2. 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships – Gold
Chopra’s breakthrough moment came during the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. He won the gold medal with a world junior record throw of 86.48 meters. This achievement marked him as a future star in javelin and brought him international recognition.
3. 2017 Asian Athletics Championships – Gold
Continuing his success, Neeraj Chopra won gold at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, India. His throw of 85.23 meters not only earned him the top spot but also showcased his growing dominance in the event within the continent.
4. 2018 Commonwealth Games – Gold
Neeraj Chopra made history at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in javelin at the Commonwealth Games. His throw of 86.47 meters demonstrated his ability to perform on the big stage.
5. 2018 Sotteville Athletics Meet, France – Gold
Chopra continued to shine in 2018 by winning the gold medal at the Sotteville Athletics Meet in France with a throw of 85.17 meters, further establishing his reputation in Europe.
6. 2018 Savo Games, Finland – Gold
In July 2018, Chopra added another gold medal to his collection by winning the Savo Games in Finland with a throw of 85.69 meters. Competing in Finland, the home of javelin throwing, added special significance to this victory.
7. 2018 Asian Games – Gold
One of Chopra’s most notable victories came at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. He won the gold medal with a throw of 88.06 meters, setting a new Indian national record. This victory made him the first Indian to win a javelin gold at the Asian Games, underlining his dominance in the sport.
8. 2019 Asian Athletics Championships – Silver
Chopra secured a silver medal at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships held in Doha, Qatar. Though his throw of 82.75 meters was below his personal best, it was still enough to place him on the podium, reflecting his consistency in international competitions.
9. 2020 Tokyo Olympics – Gold
The crowning achievement of Neeraj Chopra’s career came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). With a throw of 87.58 meters, Chopra won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics. This historic victory not only placed him among the world’s elite but also brought immense pride to India, making him a national hero.
10. 2022 World Athletics Championships – Silver
In 2022, Neeraj Chopra made history again by winning a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA. His best throw of 88.13 meters earned him the silver, making him the first Indian to win a medal at this prestigious event.
11. 2022 Kuortane Games, Finland – Gold
Chopra returned to Finland, the spiritual home of javelin throwing, to win gold at the Kuortane Games in 2022. Despite challenging weather conditions, his throw of 86.69 meters secured the top spot on the podium.
12. 2022 Stockholm Diamond League – Silver
Neeraj Chopra continued his impressive form in the 2022 season by winning a silver medal at the Stockholm Diamond League. His throw of 89.94 meters was a new personal best and a national record, falling just short of the 90-meter mark.
13. 2022 Lausanne Diamond League – Gold
Chopra achieved another milestone in 2022 by winning the gold medal at the Lausanne Diamond League with a throw of 89.08 meters. This victory made him the first Indian to win a Diamond League title, solidifying his position among the world’s elite javelin throwers.
14. 2022 Zurich Diamond League Final – Gold
In the culmination of his 2022 season, Neeraj Chopra won the Diamond League Final in Zurich, Switzerland, with a throw of 88.44 meters. This victory marked his first Diamond League title and capped off a remarkable year for the Indian superstar.
15. 2023 Doha Diamond League – Silver
Starting his 2023 season strong, Chopra won a silver medal at the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 88.67 meters. Competing against a strong field, his performance underscored his consistency and competitiveness at the highest level.
16. 2023 Lausanne Diamond League – Gold
Chopra returned to Lausanne in 2023 to win another gold medal at the Diamond League, with a throw of 87.66 meters. This victory further established his dominance in the global javelin circuit.
17. 2023 World Athletics Championships – Gold
In 2023, Neeraj Chopra achieved yet another historic feat by winning the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. His throw of 88.17 meters made him the first Indian to win a gold medal at this event, adding another prestigious title to his growing list of achievements.
18. 2024 Paris Olympics – Gold
In 2024, Neeraj Chopra continued to etch his name in history by defending his Olympic title at the Paris Olympics. With a stunning throw of 89.50 meters, he won his second consecutive Olympic gold, a feat that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers in history.
19. 2024 Monaco Diamond League – Gold
Chopra’s 2024 season also included a gold medal at the Monaco Diamond League, where he recorded a throw of 88.92 meters. This victory highlighted his continued dominance and consistent performance on the global stage.
20. 2024 Continental Cup – Silver
At the 2024 Continental Cup, an event featuring the best athletes from across the globe, Chopra secured a silver medal with a throw of 87.78 meters, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level across various competitions.
Conclusion
Neeraj Chopra’s international medal tally is a testament to his extraordinary talent, hard work, and perseverance. From his early victories in regional championships to his historic Olympic and World Championship triumphs, Chopra has consistently pushed the boundaries of what Indian athletes can achieve on the global stage. His success in javelin has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired countless young athletes to dream big and pursue excellence.
