India is about to celebrate its first National Javelin Day on 7th August. It marks the historic day, when Neeraj Chopra bagged the gold in Tokyo Olympics for India. He had a very good year in terms of the Javelin throws across the world. He created a national record during the Tokyo Olympics after throwing at a distance of 87.58 meters.
The 24-year-old Chopra broke his national record twice this year. In the Paavo Nurmi Games, he won the silver medal and set a new monument of 89.30m, two meters more from his Tokyo Olympic performance. He broke that record too, in the Diamond League 2022 in Stockholm. He created a new national challenge of 89.94m in that league and came third.
Also Read: Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra Once Again Creates a National Record of 89.94m in Javelin Throw
Chopra is all set to throw his Javelin into the 90 meters mark and create a new record for India. Neeraj is preparing for the World Championship in Eugene, Oregon, the USA. “I’m close to 90m. I know I can throw it this year. A lot of guys now are capable of throwing over 90m. It’ll take 89m plus to win in Eugene.” Chopra on reaching the 90m mark.
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Neeraj Chopra to Break 90m Barrier at the World Championships
When asked if any pressure is on him, “Nothing of that sort should happen because I play with a free mind and perform to my potential. There’s no pressure…I train well and give 100% in competition.” If Chopra wins the Championship, he will be the first-ever Indian and first in the world after a decade to win the championship, after winning gold in the Olympics. Indian long jumper Anju Bobby George is the only Indian who claimed a world medal with a bronze in 2003.
Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Neeraj Chopra to Mirabai Chanu, the Entire List of Indian Athletes Entering Birmingham