Neeraj Chopra: India’s Javelin Sensation
3 min read
Neeraj Chopra, born on December 24, 1997, in Panipat, Haryana, has become a household name in India and a global icon in the world of athletics. His journey from a small village to the pinnacle of javelin throwing is nothing short of inspirational.
Chopra first gained international attention by winning a gold medal at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, setting a world junior record with a throw of 86.48 meters1. This was just the beginning of his illustrious career.
In 2021, Neeraj made history by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics2. His throw of 87.58 meters not only secured him the top spot but also etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history.
Continuing his streak of excellence, Chopra clinched a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships and another silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics3. His rivalry with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has added a new dimension to the sport, drawing fans from both nations4.
Neeraj’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal2. Beyond his athletic prowess, he is known for his humility and dedication, serving as an inspiration to countless young athletes in India and around the world.
As Neeraj Chopra continues to break records and win hearts, his story remains a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana. He is the eldest of three siblings, with two younger sisters named Sangeeta and Sarita12. His father, Satish Kumar, is a farmer, and his mother, Saroj Devi, is a homemaker2.
Neeraj grew up in a joint family of 19 members, which included his three uncles, Surinder, Bhim, and Sultan1. It was his uncle Surinder who first took Neeraj to a local gym, recognizing his potential and encouraging him to pursue sports1.
Despite coming from a modest background, Neeraj’s family has been incredibly supportive of his athletic career. His father identified his talent early on and took him to Panipat’s Shivaji Stadium, where Neeraj’s passion for javelin throw began1. Interestingly, his family has a tradition of not attending his major competitions to avoid making him nervous1.
Neeraj’s journey from a small village to becoming an Olympic gold medalist is a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support of his family.
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Neeraj Chopra has been fortunate to train under several esteemed coaches and mentors throughout his career, each contributing significantly to his development as a world-class javelin thrower.
Jaiveer Singh: Neeraj’s journey began under the guidance of Jaiveer Singh, his first coach, who introduced him to the basics of javelin throwing in his early years1.
Naseem Ahmad: In 2011, Neeraj moved to the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula, Haryana, where he trained under Naseem Ahmad. Ahmad focused on building Neeraj’s stamina and strength, crucial for his future success1.
Gary Calvert: The Australian coach, who also served as the Chinese national javelin coach, worked with Neeraj during a pivotal time in his career. Under Calvert’s mentorship, Neeraj won gold at the 2016 World U20 Championships with a junior world record throw1.
Kashinath Naik: A 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Naik assisted Calvert and played a key role in refining Neeraj’s technique1.
Uwe Hohn: The legendary German javelin thrower, known for his record-breaking throw of 104.8 meters, coached Neeraj from 2017 to 2018. Hohn’s expertise helped Neeraj achieve significant milestones, including his gold medal at the 2018
Commonwealth Games1.
Werner Daniels: Ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Neeraj also trained under German coach Werner Daniels, further honing his skills1.
Klaus Bartonietz: Since 2019, Neeraj has been working with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz. Bartonietz’s scientific approach has been instrumental in Neeraj’s continued success, including his historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics1.
These coaches and mentors have played a crucial role in shaping Neeraj Chopra into the exceptional athlete he is today, each contributing their unique expertise and guidance.