Oregon (US): After Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra bagged the silver medal at the prestigious World Athletics Championships, wishes started pouring in from all over the country. Neeraj recorded a distance of 88.13m in his fourth attempt in the men's javelin throw final and secured the second position.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate Neeraj Chopra for his performance. "A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours," he wrote.
Meanwhile, Union Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur congratulated Neeraj on Twitter by saying that the young athlete has now become the first Indian male and second Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. Neeraj has now won medals at every global event, he added.
Taking to Twitter, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar @Neeraj_chopra1. Congratulations to him on winning the Silver Medal at the #WorldAthleticsChampionships in Eugene, Oregon. His hard work, grit and determination have yielded outstanding results. We are proud of him."
"Neeraj Chopra has created history again by winning a silver medal at World Athletics Championship in Oregon. He becomes the 1st man and the 2nd Indian to win a medal at the World Championships after longjumper Anju Bobby George's bronze in 2003. Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1," tweeted Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Also read: World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra clinches historic silver for India
"What a champion, what an athlete! #Oregon2022, JavelinThrow,88.13m First ever silver medal in Athletics at the World Championships for #India Second only to win a medal at the WCH for India after long jump legend Anju Bobby George (Bronze, Paris 2003,6.70m)," tweeted the official Twitter handle of the Athletics Federation of India.
"History Created by Neeraj Yet Again @Neeraj_chopra1 becomes the 1st Indian Male to win a medal at the #WorldChampionships Neeraj wins in Men's Javelin Throw with his best throw of 88.13m at @WCHoregon22. Absolutely Brilliant," tweeted the Sports Authority of India.
The Olympic medallist started the proceedings with a foul throw, which was followed by 82.39m and 86.37m. It was finally in the fourth attempt when he recorded the distance of 88.13m, which put him in contention for the silver medal.
The last two attempts by Neeraj were foul throws, and thus, he ended up in the second position. The first position was held by defending champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, who recorded a distance of 90.54m.
Neeraj also became India's first ever track and field athlete to take the silver medal in the World Championships, and second to bag a podium finish after the legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George had finished third in the Paris Worlds in 2003. On the other hand, World Championships debutant Rohit Yadav finished at the 10th position after making attempts of 78.72m, 78.05m and 77.95m. (With Agency inputs)
