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With historic achievements of javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra, chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa and badminton star HS Prannoy in recent times, India’s sporting prowess is gradually evolving.
Javelin thrower Chopra on Sunday became the first-ever Indian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, while Praggnanandhaa last week created history by reaching the World Cup final at 18 years.
Prannoy stunned World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen en route to winning a World Championships bronze.
Well, Chopra’s Olympic gold medal win has inspired many more Indian athletes to go full throttle to aspire for international glory. Taking inspiration from the ace athlete, other two Indian javelin throwers have also come a long way.
For the first time in history, three Indian athletes including Odia javelin thrower Kishore Jena were selected in the top 12 athletes of the javelin throw event in the final of the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest. Moreover, Jena finished fifth in his first attempt in the mega competition which is no less than any great feat.
As per several sports experts and enthusiasts, Chopra’s historic achievements will inspire others to take up javelin.
“It will inspire other athletes in the country too. You would have seen that in this World Championship, it was not just Neeraj, we had three throwers in the final. When one athlete does well it gives encouragement to others to take up the sport as well. It was a joyous moment,” said eminent javelin coach Samarjeet Singh Malhi.
Several youngsters pursuing chess are also bolstered by Praggnanandhaa’s success in the recently-concluded World Cup. As per many chess experts, the emerging star has shown enough promise in his fledgling career and he will win many more accolades in future.
“Considering it was his first big-ticket event, Praggnanandhaa did really well. He was a bit nervous in the final. He finished as the runner-up. He is just 18. I expect him to go the distance in many more big events in near future,” said an eminent chess coach.
Meanwhile, promising badminton star Prannoy has carried forward the legacy of ace shuttlers Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. His fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude will inspire many Indian aspiring sportspersons.
