Introduction
Neeraj Chopra is an acclaimed Indian javelin thrower who has brought laurels to the country through his exceptional performances. Known for his discipline, dedication, and humility, he has drawn widespread attention in the world of athletics. This athletic prodigy’s greatest achievement to date was winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, making him the first Indian to clinch the top spot in track and field in the history of the Olympics.
Early Life
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in the village of Khandra, Panipat district, Haryana, India. Raised in an agrarian family, the outdoor life moulded him into a robust and determined individual. His talent for javelin throwing was discovered in his early years when he attempted this sport due to his fascination with it.
Neeraj completed his early education in his village and then enrolled in DAV College, Chandigarh for further studies. Despite facing financial constraints, his family supported his passion for javelin throw. To combat obesity, he took up sports and rapidly excelled in athletics, especially javelin throw.
Profile Summary
Full Name: Neeraj Chopra
Age: 24 years old (as of 2022)
Birthday: December 24, 1997
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Khandra, Panipat district, Haryana
Occupation: Athlete (Javelin Thrower)
Known For: Winning Gold Medal in Javelin throw at Tokyo Olympics 2020
Net Worth: Estimated at around $1.5 Million (as of 2021)
Career
Neeraj’s athletic career took a significant turn in 2012 when he joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Panipat. He bagged a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games, setting a new record with a throw of 82.23m. The same year, he won another gold at the World U20 Championships in Poland, setting a world junior record.
From numerous Asian Championships, Commonwealth, and Diamond League victories, Chopra’s journey has been studded with successes, symbolizing incredible grit, resilience, and determination. His performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 hit a new zenith as he mustered a monumental throw of 87.58m, ensuring India’s first-ever gold medal in athletics at the Olympics.
Despite these soaring highs, there have been troughs in his career. In 2019, Neeraj had to go through a potentially career-threatening elbow surgery that kept him off the field for a significant period. However, his unyielding spirit saw him fight back, recover, and clinch the historic Olympic gold. The journey of Neeraj Chopra is a testament to his hard-work, exuding inspiration for millions of aspiring athletes.
