Asian Games 2018: Neeraj Chopra wins first India’s first gold in javelin throw, sets new national record

Neeraj Chopra looked confident right from the start and threw 88.06m in his third attempt.

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Neeraj Chopra gave India its eight gold at the ongoing edition of the Asian Games at Indonesia. (Reuters)

Neeraj Chopra won gold in the men’s javelin throw event at the ongoing 18th edition of the Asian Games in Indonesia. Chopra looked confident from the start with a throw of 83.46m. But it was in his third attempt that he stole the show with a monstrous 88.06m to win the yellow metal and break the national record. His second throw was declined by the officials but that did not deter the 20-year-old from throwing 83.25m and 86.26m in his fourth and fifth attempt respectively. This is India’s second gold medal in athletics and eighth overall.

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The previous national record was 87.43m which was also set by the 20-year-old at the Diamond League Meeting in Doha in May. He missed the Games record by a mere 1.09m. Chopra later said that he dedicated this award to late former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “The competition was good, I had trained well and was focused on getting a gold medal for the country,” he said. “I dedicate my medal to Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji who was a great man.”

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Chopra said that he dedicated this award to late former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (Source: Reuters)

Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Chao Tsun, who was expected to give a stiff competition to Chopra couldn’t stand a chance as he was unable to cross the 80m mark. Neeraj Chopra’s registered throws were also better than the second-placed Liu Qizhen.

Shivapal Singh, also representing India in the same event, pulled out midway from the event due to a shoulder injury. India last finished on the podium in javelin event back at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, when Gurtej Singh won a bronze for the nation.