‘You set the bar higher each time you compete’: Twitter reacts to Neeraj Chopra’s record-breaking return in action

24-year-old Neeraj Chopra made his first competitive appearance at the Paavo Nurmi Games since winning the gold medal in Tokyo last year.

Neeraj Chopra Javelin throw, Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra on his way to throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games. (Courtesy: Paavo Nurmi Games/Twitter)

India’s javelin sweetheart, Neeraj Chopra marked his return to the sport on Tuesday since his historic night in Tokyo last year. And he did so in style, breaking the national record with an effort of 89.30m. The previous record was that of a 88.07m, set by Chopra himself at the Indian Grand Prix in Patiala in March 2021. He finished second only to Oliver Helander, who produced a personal best throw of 89.93m.

The 24-year old had been away from the game since his win at Tokyo Olympics attending felicitation events, shooting commercials and making his presence on talk shows. His throw of 89.30m was the fifth best throw this year.

Chopra’s first throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland travelled 86.92m. He was unable to manage a legal throw in his third, fourth and fifth attempts. The Olympic gold medalist finished with a throw of 85.85m.

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It was only obvious that the Twitterati celebrated their champion’s return to action in style.

Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra settles for a Silver Medal with a New National Record Throw of 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.@afi We can see several performance hikes in various events this season. Hope for more further. @Adille1 @Media_SAI @SPORTINGINDIAtw pic.twitter.com/cBLg4Ke8nh

— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) June 14, 2022

Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on setting the new national record. Kudos & more power to you! 🇮🇳
Onwards & Upwards✨#NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/u4VxdFliaS

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 15, 2022

A remarkable young man, indeed.

neeraj chopra is quite a remarkable young man. since tokyo he’s been swamped by felicitations, awards etc etc. he’s charmed his way through all that, got back to training, turned up at his first competition and smashed the national record!

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) June 14, 2022

Well done @Neeraj_chopra1! You set the bar higher each time you compete 🇮🇳 congratulations on the new record 💪🏻👊🏻👍🏻 #NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/wKAOKpc82o

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 14, 2022

The golden boy has done it again! New national record. Great going #NeerajChopra

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 14, 2022

HOW ABOUT THIS GUY?! Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1 ) haven’t competed since Tokyo Olympics, and then he comes to #paavonurmigames #Turku AND throws a NR (89,30m)! Shortest measured throw: 85,85m. Just WOW! #turkulovessport #ContinentalTourGold pic.twitter.com/ieZKqVJbom

— Paavo Nurmi Games (@paavonurmigames) June 14, 2022

Brilliant and Spectacular!!!

Congratulations to ace Javelin thrower & nation’s pride @Neeraj_chopra1 on clinching Silver & setting a new national record with 89.30 metres at #PaavoNurmiGames in Finland.
Well Done Champion!

Keep Succeeding with such fierce passion & dedication pic.twitter.com/5JEZzoFK0k

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 15, 2022

Here’s another angle of Chopra’s record breaking throw.

Neeraj chopra breaking his own record is a mood !!! Goosebumps everytime he make a throw !!!! pic.twitter.com/R4uDJRyQ5z

— Amisha || NC win 🥈 (@desimahito) June 15, 2022