Neeraj Chopra creates history: Becomes first Indian to win gold in Tokyo Olympics

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra becomes the first ever Indian to win an Olympic gold in the track and field events at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020.

With a best throw of 87.58 in the men’s javelin throw final on Saturday, Neeraj finished at the top to became the second ever athlete from India after shooter Abhinav Bindra to win an individual Olympic gold medal.

India bags it’s seventh medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, surpassing their previous best tally of six at the 2012 London Games.

In his first attempt of the final, 23-year-old Neeraj stormed into the lead with a throw of 87.03 and then in his second, improved it to 87.58. Throughout the competition, he continued to lead the field that saw world’s No.1 gold champion Johannes Vetter from Germany collapse after finishing ninth following the first three attempts with two fouls and one resulted in a throw of 82.52.

In the third attempt, Chopra tapered off with a throw of 76.79 and committed fouls in his next two attempts.

While Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic won silver medal with abest throw of 86.67m, his countryman Vitezslav Vesely took home bronze with a best throw of 85.44m.

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