New Delhi, July 24
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, the country on Sunday rejoiced Neeraj Chopra’s landmark silver medal at the World Athletics Championships, calling it a “special moment”.
The 24-year-old Chopra, who had entered the showpiece as a hot medal favourite in javelin throw, produced a best throw of 88.13m to finish second behind defending champion Anderson Peters of Grenada (90.54m) and became only the second Indian and first male track-and-field athlete to win a medal at the World Championships.
“A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 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,” PM Modi tweeted.
A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes!
Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 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. https://t.co/odm49Nw6Bx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2022
Hailing the reigning Olympic champion’s achievement, Bindra wrote on his Twitter handle, “Many congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for your silver at the worlds! You make us proud. Well done and the best for the rest of the season.”
Many congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for your silver at the worlds ! You make us proud. Well done and the best for the rest of the season.
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 24, 2022
Legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George was the first Indian to win a bronze medal in the World Championships in the 2003 edition in Paris.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too joined the country in praising Chopra and said India is elated by his “stupendous performance”.
“India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar @Neeraj_chopra1. Congratulations to him on winning 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
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur was also delighted at Chopra continuing his medal-winning streak at the global arena.
“Neeraj Chopra continues his winning streak! Wins in Men’s javelin throw at @WCHoregon22 with his best throw of 88.13m, becoming the 1st Indian male and 2nd Indian to win a medal at the #WorldChampionships! Neeraj has now won medal at every Global event!” Thakur tweeted.
Neeraj Chopra continues his winning streak!
bull; Wins 🥈in Men’s javelin throw at @WCHoregon22 with his best throw of 88.13m, becoming the 1st Indian male and 2nd Indian to win a medal at the #WorldChampionships!
Neeraj has now won medal at every Global event !
Watch this 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/YF455oople
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 24, 2022
Uploading a photo of her with the champion javelin thrower, Anju Bobby George wrote, “Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for that magic moment..N welcome to the group..it was a long wait.Thanks to @afiindia @Media_SAI @ianuragthakur for all the support.”
Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for that magic moment..N welcome to the group..it was a long wait.Thanks to @afiindia @Media_SAI @ianuragthakur for all the support . pic.twitter.com/31tLKjdV3V
— Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) July 24, 2022
Not to be left behind was the legendary PT Usha, who wrote, “Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 for winning the silver at 2022 World Athletics Championships for our country. Your best efforts have made our country proud in the world. Keep the flag flying high. Jai Hind.”
Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 for winning the silver at 2022 World Athletics Championships for our country. Your best efforts have made our country proud in the world. Keep the flag flying high. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) July 24, 2022
Indian hockey team’s ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said, “Congratulation brother @Neeraj_chopra1. You are a motivation for billions of people.”
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
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) also congratulated Chopra on his stupendous performance.
His silver saw India featuring in the medal table of the worlds for the first time in nearly two decades. India were placed at joint 28th in the standings.
