The silver medal went to Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower who gave his performance in front of the crowds at Stade de France.
Second place was taken by Neeraj while making a throw of 89.45m on the podium. Nevertheless, it was not enough for him to win gold as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem threw 92.97m in Paris and now holds the Olympic record.
Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen threw an Olympic record of 90.57 m during the Beijing Games held in 2008. In fact, three-time Olympic champion and world record holder Jan Zelezny of Czech Republic were present as well.
Only two other Indian sportspersons have won back-to-back individual Olympic medals; none of them are track and field athletes: Sushil Kumar (wrestling) in 2008 & 2012 and PV Sindhu (badminton) in 2016 &2021
“Whenever we get a medal for our country it is always a happy moment for all of us. It’s now time to improve our game; sit down together and discuss how we can lift up our game….At the Paris Olympics India did well as there were tough opponents …. Aaj Arshad ka din tha (Today was Arshad’s day). I tried my best but there are some areas where I need improvement.”
“Our national anthem may not have been played today but I’m sure it will be played again one day.” He also added “If not here then somewhere else”, after winning the silver medal. “(Acha hai ander. Ander throw to hai. Wo niklegi jab sab tarike se fit ho jayenge aur mentally tayyar ho jayenge) It’s all good inside. My best throw is yet to come out. It will come when I’m completely fit and mentally prepared,” he concluded.
