Neeraj Chopra wins silver for India in Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra could not win the second gold for India in the Olympics. He had to be content with winning silver in Paris. Even if he did not win the gold, the Indian star brought the country a medal.

August 7, 2021, Tokyo Olympics, Before the javelin final began, no one would have thought that an Indian would win gold in track and field. That is what Neeraj showed. He won the gold by throwing the javelin 87.58 metres. He entered his name in the list of India’s individual gold medalists history after Abhinav Bindra.

August 9, 2024, exactly three years later, Neeraj had the opportunity to repeat the same feat. Neeraj threw the longest metres in the qualifying round more than any other qualifier. But he could not make that happen in the finals. Maybe he could not handle the pressure of expectation. Although he did not win gold, Neeraj Chopra did bring a medal for his country. The Indian star will return from Paris after winning silver. Neeraj lost the gold medal to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Over the years, Neeraj and Arshad participated in various competitions. The Indian star has said in many interviews that Arshad is his friend. Neeraj had to lose to that friend.

Neeraj Chopra’s performance in final

Neeraj did not begin well in the final in Paris. He fell while making the first throw. The first throw was ruled out as he touched the white line. As a result, the pressure increases. Neeraj had to do well in the two remaining throws. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem threw 92.97 metres in his second throw. He set a new Olympic record. Therefore, the pressure increased on Neeraj. He knew that he had to throw his best to win the gold. Neeraj made the second throw count. He threw 89.45 metres. Despite his best throw of the season, the gold was still far away from Neeraj.

Neeraj’s third throw was also dismissed. He did not start well in the second round too. The fourth throw was also dismissed by Neeraj because of the same issue. The next throw was also the same picture. The Indian player was seen losing his temper too. The last throw was not good either. Arshad again made the last throw more than 90 metres. Neeraj finished second. Neeraj Chopra now is the only Indian athlete to win a gold and a silver at the Olympics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Neeraj Chopra after winning the silver. Arshad Nadeem also posted about Neeraj. They congratulated him on their own X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Neeraj Chopra’s preparation for the Olympics

Before the Paris Olympics, Neeraj’s target was to throw more than 90 metres. It was not happening at all. He was so focused on winning a medal in Paris that he competed very little this year. Looking at the injury. He took some rest, practised hard too. After winning gold last time, Neerj was supposed to be the flag bearer at the opening of the Olympics this time. But he was not at the opening of the Olympics in Paris. At that time he was training in Antalya, 3453 km away from Paris. Focused on increasing muscle strength. Neeraj went to Paris before his event.

This time Neeraj Chopra was helped by Paris Stade de France’s special purple ‘Mondo’ track. This track has two levels. First there is rubber. This will result in a firmer foot grip, meaning the foot will not slip. There is also flexibility. Underneath the rubber layer are air-filled cavities. They help to absorb the impact of jumping and help maintain balance. The track was developed with the advice of the best track and field athletes.

Neeraj is experienced in practising on the European circuit. He is not a ‘power thrower’. That is, he does not rely entirely on the large muscles of the upper body to throw the javelin. He also gathers energy while running on the track. He controls the body in such a way that he can use all his strength to throw far. Mondo track grip helped Neeraj.

In the Paris Olympics, the countrymen had golden hopes for Neeraj. But he could not win the gold. But he is the first player from India to win a gold and a silver at the Olympics.