Watch: India's Neeraj Chopra wins historic silver medal at World Athletics Championships

India's 'Golden Boy' Neeraj Chopra on Saturday won silver medal with his 4th throw of 88.13 meters in the men's Javelin finals at the World Athletics Championships.

"While the conditions were not good and the wind speed was too high, I was confident I would perform well. I am satisfied with the result. I am happy that I was able to win a medal for my country," Neeraj Chopra told ANI after winning the silver medal.

The competition was tough and as the competitors were throwing on a good average, it became challenging, said Neeraj, adding, "I learnt a lot today. The hunger for gold will continue. But I have to believe we cannot get gold each time. I will do what I can, focus and concentrate on my training."

"We are very happy that his hard work has paid off. We were certain that he would win a medal at this event," said Saroj Devi, Neeraj Chopra's mother on her son winning silver at the World Athletics Championships.

Calling him a true champion, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Neeraj Chopra continues to bring laurels and make the country proud. Heartiest congratulations on a historic sporting accomplishment and winning silver medal in men's javelin throw at World Athletics Championships."

"A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to Twitter to congratulate Neeraj on the historic achievement and wrote, "India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar Neeraj Chopra. Congratulations to him on winning the Silver Medal at the #WorldAthleticsChampionships in Eugene, Oregon. His hard work, grit and determination have yielded outstanding results. We are proud of him."

 

India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar @Neeraj_chopra1.

Congratulations to him on winning the Silver Medal at the #WorldAthleticsChampionships in Eugene, Oregon.

His hard work, grit and determination have yielded outstanding results. We are proud of him.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 24, 2022

 

Congratulating Neeraj, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Neeraj Chopra has created history again by winning a silver medal at World Athletics Championship in Oregon. He becomes the 1st man and the 2nd Indian to win medal at the World Championships after long-jumper Anju Bobby George's bronze in 2003."

Anderson Peters, a Grenadian javelin thrower, became the world champion by securing gold with his highest score of 90.54 metres.

Meanwhile, Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch secured the bronze with a throw of 88.09m.

Watch the silver-winning throw of Neeraj Chopra below:

 

History Created by @Neeraj_chopra1 Yet Again!

Wins 🥈in Men's javelin throw at @WCHoregon22 with his best throw of 88.13m, becoming the 1st Indian male to win a medal at the #WorldChampionships pic.twitter.com/VYxuRtXfAD

— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 24, 2022

 

The legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George was the first Indian to win a medal (bronze) in the World Championships in the 2003 edition in Paris.