Neeraj Chopra Makes History with Gold Medal Victory at the 2023 World Athletics Championships
Neeraj Chopra emerges as a world champion, securing gold at the 2023 IAAF World Athletics Championships in men’s javelin. His remarkable throw of 88.17m seals victory, adding to his Olympic triumph. He proudly claims India’s first-ever Worlds gold after his silver win the previous year.
Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan narrowly secured second place with an impressive throw of 87.82m, closely trailing behind. Meanwhile, Jakub Valence of the Czech Republic clinched the bronze medal, achieving a strong throw of 86.67m.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Neeraj Chopra following his historic triumph. In his tweet, the Prime Minister lauded Neeraj’s remarkable accomplishment, hailing him as a truly talented athlete who exhibited the epitome of his capabilities. Modi highlighted Neeraj’s unwavering dedication, precision, and unwavering passion, qualities that not only establish him as a champion in the domain of athletics but also position him as an emblem of excellence across the broader spectrum of sports.
Since its inception in 1983, the World Athletics Championship has witnessed a historic milestone as an Indian athlete has secured a gold medal for the first time. Neeraj Chopra’s remarkable victory has etched his name into the annals of the championship’s history, signifying a moment of unprecedented achievement.
In a closely contested competition, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem clinched the silver medal. Nadeem’s impressive performance saw him achieve a commendable distance of 87.82 meters, showcasing his skill and dedication on the global stage.
India’s performance at the World Athletics Championships has been further embellished with a total of three medals achieved over the years. Neeraj Chopra’s recent gold medal triumph marks India’s third medal in the championship’s history. Notably, Neeraj had previously secured a silver medal in the preceding season, showcasing his consistent prowess on the global stage.
Adding to India’s legacy at the championship, Anju Bobby George earned a bronze medal in the women’s long jump event two decades ago, precisely in 2003, during the event held in Paris. Anju’s remarkable achievement in securing a bronze medal serves as a significant milestone, further reinforcing India’s presence and prowess in the world of athletics.
The final event witnessed a gripping competition between Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra and his Pakistani counterpart, Arshad Nadeem. Despite Nadeem’s formidable challenge, Neeraj Chopra’s prowess remained unassailable, securing his place as the champion. The culmination of this intense contest unfolded as follows:
First Attempt:
Neeraj Chopra’s initial throw was deemed a foul. Finnish athlete Oliver Hellander managed an 83.38m throw, taking the lead in the first attempt. Neeraj’s foul attempt positioned him at the 12th spot. Kishore Jena achieved a distance of 75.6 meters, while DP Manu’s throw extended to 78.44 meters. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s throw reached 74.80 meters.
Second Attempt:
Neeraj Chopra surged ahead in the second attempt, delivering an impressive 88.17m throw – the highest score of the javelin final – thus securing the top position, which he maintained throughout. Kishore Jena’s throw measured 82.82 meters, and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem reached 82.81 meters. DP Manu’s attempt resulted in a foul. Julian Weber of Germany secured second place with an 85.79m throw, while Jakub Wadlech of the Czech Republic came third with a 84.18m throw.
Third Attempt:
Neeraj’s third attempt saw a 86.32m throw, followed closely by Arshad Nadeem’s 87.82m, placing him in the second position. Kishore Jena’s third attempt ended in a foul, while Manu’s throw reached 83.73 meters.
Fourth Attempt:
Neeraj’s fourth attempt yielded a 84.64m throw. Arshad Nadeem remained a strong contender with an 87.15m throw, coming close to Neeraj’s best. Kishore Jena’s throw measured 80.19 meters, and Manu’s attempt was a foul.
Fifth Attempt:
Neeraj’s fifth attempt achieved a distance of 87.73 meters, whereas Arshad Nadeem’s throw was ruled a foul. Jakub Wadlech of the Czech Republic secured third place with a 86.67m throw in this round. Kishore Jena achieved his personal best with an 84.77m throw, finishing fifth. Manu’s attempt measured 83.48 meters, placing him sixth.
Sixth Attempt:
Neeraj Chopra’s historic victory was sealed in the sixth and final attempt, marked by a 83.98m throw. India’s DP Manu scored the highest with a 84.14m throw. Jakub Wadlech and Kishore Jena’s attempts in this round were fouls. Arshad Nadeem secured a silver medal with a throw of 81.86 meters. While Neeraj’s final throw measured 83.98m, his outstanding 88.17m throw in the second attempt ultimately earned him the gold medal.
This enthralling series of attempts and accomplishments showcased Neeraj Chopra’s resolute journey to securing a historic gold medal, with each endeavor reflecting his unwavering determination and exceptional skill.
Neeraj Chopra’s triumphant feat at the World Athletics Championships marked his inaugural gold medal in this prestigious event. While Neeraj secured the gold, India’s Kishore Jena attained fifth place, and DP Manu claimed the sixth spot. In the final rankings, Jakob Wadlech from the Czech Republic clinched the third position, securing the bronze medal, while Germany’s Julian Weber narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth. This ensemble of achievements underscores the competitive spirit and exceptional prowess displayed by athletes across the spectrum.
After the event, he shared, “Initially, I aimed for a long throw in my first attempt, but encountered technical issues. The initial setback added a touch of pressure, but I rallied myself. Considering my groin injury that had sidelined me for a major part of the season, I proceeded with caution, as my speed wasn’t at its peak. When my speed is compromised, I sense a slight drop in performance. Thus, my focus now lies in achieving complete fitness, reaching 100%, and pushing my boundaries for an even more remarkable throw.”
“I extend my gratitude to all fellow Indians who stayed up late to witness this moment. This medal holds significance for the entire nation… from being an Olympic champion to now achieving the status of world champion, it demonstrates that us Indians are capable of achieving anything. I encourage all of you to continue your dedicated efforts in diverse domains, for collectively, we can bring pride to our nation,” he conveyed.
In an earlier event, Parul Chaudhary secured the 11th spot in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, shattering the national record with an impressive time of 9:15.31. She stands as the second Indian to reach the finals of a track event, a feat previously accomplished by Lalita Babar during the 2015 edition, also in the 3000m steeplechase. Parul’s exceptional performance not only marks a significant achievement but also led her to meet the qualifying criteria for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the men’s 4x400m relay event at the championships, the Indian team achieved a commendable 5th place. Demonstrating their prowess, the Indian team entered the final race as formidable contenders. The quartet comprised of Mohammad Anas, Amoj, Mohammad Ajmal, and Rajesh Ramesh, collectively completing the 1600-meter distance in a time of 2 minutes and 59.92 seconds.
Notably, the team had previously set an Asian record during the heats on Saturday with a remarkable time of 2 minutes and 59.05 seconds. The Indian team’s performance exemplified their exceptional capabilities on the track.
The ultimate victory in the event was claimed by the USA with a gold medal, clocking in at 2 minutes and 57.31 seconds. France secured the silver medal with a time of 2 minutes and 58.45 seconds, while Great Britain clinched the bronze medal with a time of 2 minutes and 58.71 seconds. The Indian team’s achievement in securing the 5th position further underscores their competitive edge on the global stage.
