PM, CM Congratulate Neeraj Chopra on Winning First Ever Silver Medal for India in World Athletics Championships

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have congratulated Tokyo 2020 Olympics javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra on winning the silver medal at the World Athletics Championships 2022 in Eugene (Oregon) to end India’s 19-year-long wait for a medal at the worlds.

“A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra on winning a historic Silver medal at the World Championships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours” the Prime Minister said.

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. https://t.co/odm49Nw6Bx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2022

Congratulating Neeraj Chopra, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “You are making history on track and field for India and inspiring a new generation with your magnificent achievements. Shine always”.

Congratulate @Neeraj_chopra1 on clinching first ever #Silver medal for the country in #WorldAthleticsChampionships2022. You are making history on track and field for #India and inspiring a new generation with your magnificent achievements. Shine always.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 24, 2022

This was India’s second medal at the World Championships and the first podium finish since long jumper Anju Bobby George won a bronze medal at Paris in 2003.

Neeraj Chopra’s best effort of 88.13m in the final at the Hayward Field was short of Anderson Peters’ gold medal-winning mark of 90.54m while Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch won the bronze with 88.09m.

The 24-year old Chopra had earlier made the cut for the final courtesy an 88.39m mark in the qualification.