Neeraj Chopra’s gold winning feat named one of 10 magical moments of track and field in Olympics

The 23-year-Chopra clinched the country’s maiden Olympic medal in athletics with a best throw of 87.58m on Saturday (August 7) to become only the second Indian to win an individual yellow metal in the Games.

“Most keen followers of the sport had heard of Neeraj Chopra before the Olympic Games. But after winning the javelin in Tokyo, and in the process becoming India’s first athletics gold medallist in Olympic history, Chopra’s profile sky-rocketed,” the global governing body said on its website.

Neeraj Chopra rewards, brand endorsements: All you need to know: prizes, multi-crore deals for gold winner

WA noted that the 23-year-old Chopra had 143,000 followers before the Olympics, but now has a staggering 3.2million (on Instagram), making him the most followed track and field athlete in the world.

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— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 8, 2021

In a tweet posted after winning the gold in Tokyo, Chopra has said, “Still processing this feeling. To all of India and beyond, thank you so much for your support and blessings that have helped me reach this stage. This moment will live with me forever.”

Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci was one of those former international stars who congratulated Chopra on Twitter.