Picture Credit: Twitter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Neeraj Chopra after he clinched a historic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics in Javelin Throw. PM Modi congratulated Neeraj for making the nation proud and ending India's 121-year wait for an athletics medal. With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra become only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India.
The 23-year-old Indian athlete bagged India's first gold medal in men’s javelin throw at the Olympics with a monstrous throw of 87.58 m. Notably, this was the first Olympics medal in track and field events for India. PM Modi talked to Neeraj Chopra soon after he won the gold medal and hailed him for his heroics.
"You have made the country proud. Because of this, the youth of the country will now be more motivated to take part in sports. In fact, this time in Tokyo Olympics, India has shown strength in areas, we had no prospects. You are a soldier, and you will be able to create more sportsmen," PM Modi said on the call.
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Earlier, PM Modi wrote on Twitter, "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What Neeraj Chopra has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold."
Meanwhile, President of India Ram Nath Kovind also congratulated Neeraj Chopra for his heroics at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The President tweeted, "Unprecedented win by Neeraj Chopra!Your javelin gold breaks barriers and creates history. You bring home first ever track and field medal to India in your first Olympics. Your feat will inspire our youth. India is elated! Heartiest congratulations!"
India recorded its best-ever medal tally at Tokyo Olympics as it eclipsed the London 2012 mark. Neeraj Chopra's gold helped India surpass its previous best of 6 medals from the London Games in 2012. India finished its campaign with seven medals in total- two silver, four bronze and one gold medal.
