Neeraj Chopra's 87.58-metre throw in the final of men's javelin throw helped India get their first medal in Track and Field, that too gold.
The 23-year old athlete Neeraj Chopra has done it for India. A 13-year old long wait has finally ended as Abhinav Bindra has found a company as the Olympic gold medallist in Chopra after the latter with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin throw final won the event.
It is the first medal in Track and Field for India. It is also the first Gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics for India. It is the seventh medal for India in the current Games - the highest in one Olympics, overtaking the London 2012 tally of six medals.
India waited for someone to finish on the top place at the podium and finally after 13 years, the viewers, fans, 1.35 billion population of India got to listen to the Indian national anthem in the Olympics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Neeraj for winning the gold medal saying, "History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020."
India's only Olympic Gold medal winner before Neeraj, Abhinav Bindra welcomed him into the club saying, "And Gold it is for @Neeraj_chopra1 .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you! Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you."
India's legendary athlete PT Usha felt gratitude toward Neeraj for finally bringing a medal for the country in Track and Field. Taking to Twitter, Usha wrote, "Realised my unfinished dream today after 37 years. Thank you my son @Neeraj_chopra1."
Cricketers, fans, sportspersons, politicians all congratulated Neeraj Chopra for his gold medal win and showered praise on the 23-year old. Here are some of the reactions:
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