Being known as the embodiment of pride for India, Neeraj Chopra made a comeback to the Olympic scene during the Men’s Javelin Throw Final at Stade de France. With everybody expecting him to win a gold medal, the night took several unexpected turns drawing suspense from every corner.
The event began on a difficult note for Neeraj, when his first throw was ruled a foul. A slip after release led to a foot fault, costing him his initial attempt. Pressure mounted as the competition began to heat up.
The Paris night was illuminated by Neeraj’s second throw which landed at an impressive distance of 89.45m. This left him in second place behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who had already set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m.
Neeraj faced a series of fouls in his subsequent throws. A rare display of frustration was evident as three consecutive throws didn’t go as planned. Despite his efforts, the javelin barely crossed 80 metres in these attempts.
In the same vein, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan ruled the arena. He did not only cross the 90m limit on two occasions but also established a fresh Olympic benchmark with a launch of 92.97m, capturing the gold medal.
Even with the obstacles, Neeraj’s prior endeavour sufficed to provide him with a silver medal, making him India’s first athlete to earn more than one Olympic medal. Resilience and perseverance were evident throughout his voyage in Paris.
Neeraj’s performance in Paris adds another chapter to his incredible journey. From gold in Tokyo to silver in Paris, his legacy continues to inspire millions. What lies ahead for India’s javelin star?