PM Narendra Modi Leads Tributes For Javelin Sensation Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra's throw is the eighth best among all javelin throwers this year, ahead of defending Olympic gold medalist Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago
Highlights
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PM Modi congratulates Neeraj for record-breaking performance
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Neeraj's effort of 86.48m is 1st world record by an Indian in athletics
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VVS Laxman, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore were others to congratulate Neeraj
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes that poured in on Sunday after Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra smashed the junior world record on his way to a historic gold medal at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The 18-year-old's effort of 86.48m is the first world record ever by an Indian in athletics.
The earlier record was held by Latvian Zigismunds Sirmais. This is also the first time an Indian has won a gold at any World Athletics Championships.
PM Modi congratulated Chopra, tweeting on his personal twitter handle.
Congratulations Neeraj Chopra for the outstanding sporting accomplishment. We are proud of you. https://t.co/GGxI4OjfcJ
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2016
Chopra had earlier made the cut for the finals of the event with a best effort of 78.20 meters in the qualification round.
His throw is the eighth best among all javelin throwers this year. He is also ahead of defending Olympic gold medalist Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, whose best in 2016 is 86.35m.
Sports Minister Vijay Goel and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal also congratulated the youngster, who hails from Panipat, Haryana.
Congratulations Neeraj Chopra to become first Indian world champion in athletics. Kudos!! You have made India proud
- Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) July 24, 2016
Hearty congratulations to Haryana's Neeraj Chopra for winning India's first U-20 gold medal & setting a new javelin throw world record!
- Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) July 24, 2016
Cricketer VVS Laxman, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who won silver in men's Double Trap at the 2004 Summer Olympics, and Rio-bound boxer Manoj Kumar also saluted India's record-breaking teenager.
Many congratulations #NeerajChopra on winning Gold in Javelin at IAAF U-20 World Championships.Its indeed a proud moment for Ind.Keep it up??
- VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 24, 2016
#NeerajChopra Great going!! It indeed feels proud to see your name & INDIA against the world record. Well done ?? https://t.co/sHSBiDgEnX
- Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) July 24, 2016
A very heartiest congratulation to you my dear #NeerajChopra. We all are proud of you. I wish you touch new... https://t.co/GQbK8Jd6zY
- Boxer Manoj Kumar (@BoxerManojkr) July 24, 2016
Neeraj, 18, had also won the South Asian Games gold in Guwahati earlier this year with a personal best of 82.23m.