As India’s talented athlete Neeraj Chopra prepares for the final of the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics, social media is on buzz with a hashtag “if Neeraj Chopra wins gold, I will pay…”. This new trend of support and promises from his fans and other celebrities has heightened anticipation about Chopra’s performance.
Neeraj Chopra, Tokyo Olympics reigning champion and world champion, set the stadium on fire with an 89.34meter monster throw in his first qualifying round at Stade De France on Tuesday. The good throw quickly booked him a place in the final scheduled for Thursday thereby leaving fans yearning for another golden moment.
Among many others Rishabh Pant–India’s flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter—has led this social media trend. In case Neeraj clinches Gold Medal, Pant said through X he would give away Rs 100089 to a lucky person.
“If tomorrow Neeraj Chopra takes an Olympic gold medal then it will be 100089 Rupees to a lucky winner who likes the tweet and comments most on that thread. And also for ten people trying to get attention there are flight tickets which will go to topmost. Let my brother have support from all over India and beyond,” Pant wrote.
Pant’s declaration has since prompted numerous similar declarations by supporters and fellow celebs who have come up with creative ways in which they intend to rally behind Neeraj Chopra.
Mohak Nahta, CEO Atlys—an Indian-origin visa start-up–, made one such bold pledge just before Neeraj took to field in Paris. According to Nahta free visas for one whole day will be given out if Neeraj Chopra reaches top podium spot. His LinkedIn post shortly became viral creating massive interest among users.
“Atlys will issue free visas globally only when/if Nahta finishes first in the men’s javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics. This means that any person from any country can apply for a visa to any other country free of charge, without spending even a coin. If Neeraj Chopra wins a gold medal in the Olympics I will send everyone a free visa. Ready?” Nahta said.
Nahta further pointed out that these free visas would be accessible to every nation and would not require payment by applicants, thereby stoking up more enthusiasm around Chopra’s performance.
The nation has been seized by social media trend, “if Neeraj Chopra wins gold” as the finals are just around the corner, bringing fans together with India’s medal hope for Tokyo. Stade De France is where all eyes will be next in anticipation of another special Neeraj moments as Indian sports waits for what could turn into history.
