Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra showcased his talent at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw final with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters. The event, held on Friday, saw Chopra competing against a formidable field, including Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who not only won gold but also shattered the Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters. Anderson Peters from Grenada took home the bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters.
Chopra’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges. He struggled with an adductor niggle leading up to the Games, but his determination shone through as he managed to qualify for the finals with a throw of 89.34 meters, comfortably surpassing the 84-meter qualifying mark.
A Challenging Day for the Defending Champion
Despite his impressive qualification, the final did not start as planned for Chopra. He committed a foul on his first attempt, putting him at a disadvantage early in the competition. As he prepared for his second throw, Nadeem had already set the tone by breaking the Olympic record with his first throw of 92.97 meters.
Chopra’s subsequent attempts included four throws that resulted in fouls, leaving him with only two valid attempts. His best throw of 89.45 meters came during his second attempt, which ultimately secured him the silver medal. Nadeem’s performance was stellar, as he achieved two throws exceeding the 90-meter mark, further solidifying his status as the first individual gold medalist from Pakistan in this event.
The Impact of Nadeem’s Record-Setting Throw
Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking throw not only earned him gold but also marked a significant moment in Olympic history, surpassing Andreas Thorkildsen’s previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters. Nadeem expressed his elation after the event, stating that he was thrilled with his performance despite feeling annoyed with his second throw of 88.72 meters.
Chopra’s silver medal adds to his legacy in javelin throw and track and field, following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His performance in Paris, despite the hurdles, reinforces his status as one of India’s premier athletes.
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