Paris: From Instagram to X, netizens flooded social media platforms with congratulatory wishes for Neeraj over his remarkable win at the world’s greatest sports event. Members of the Indian film industry, too, sent best wishes to Chopra.
Taking to Instagram Story, actor Vicky Kaushal and wrote, “Season best performance. You always make us proud brother Neeraj Chopra.”
Actor R Madhavan not only congratulated Neeraj but also lauded Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who clinched the gold medal in the men’s javelin final.
“What a wonderful match congratulations on olympic record Arshad Nadeem and the silver medal Neeraj Chopra guys the sport won today,” he wrote on Instagram.
Actor Rakul Preet Singh also penned a congratulatory message for Neeraj.
“Woohoo! Neeraj, you have done it again! Congratulations on securing your second olympic medal! India beams with pride,” Rakul wrote on Instagram.
Chopra’s best throw came on his second attempt, but he struggled with four consecutive foul throws, which prevented him from winning gold.
His first and third attempts were invalidated by red flags, and his final three attempts were also fouls.
Despite his strong performance in the qualification round, where he threw 89.34 meters, Chopra could not surpass his season best in the final. His 89.45-meter throw was his second-best performance but not enough to retain his gold.
He looked under pressure before taking the run and the Indian javelin thrower crossed the line once again and was given a red flag in his fifth attempt. His last and sixth attempt was also disqualified after he crossed the line while throwing.
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won gold with a throw of 92.97 meters, breaking the previous Olympic record held by Denmark’s Andreas Thorkildsen in Beijing in 2008.
After the match, Neeraj Chopra spoke with ANI and said, “We all feel happy whenever we win a medal for the country. It’s time to improve the game now. We will sit and discuss and enhance our performance.”
Chopra said that the competition was tough and that every athlete has their day, adding, “Today was Arshad’s day. I gave my best, but some things need to be addressed and worked on.” He expressed confidence in India’s future Olympic prospects, saying, “India played well (at the Paris Olympics). Our national anthem may not have been played today, but it will be heard in the future.”
The Indian contingent in Paris has managed to win five medals so far.