Paris Olympics: Neeraj Chopra wins silver, Pakistan's Arshad claims gold
India's Neeraj Chopra clinched the silver medal in men's javelin throw final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chopra came into the 2024 Paris Games on the back of a gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Notably, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem clocked a throw of 92.97m which is now an Olympic record. Peters Anderson of Grenada claimed the bronze clocking a throw of 88.54m.
Nadeem takes home gold; Chopra settles for silver
Chopra's first attempt was deemed a foul throw. In the second attempt, he managed a throw of 89.45m. Before that, it was Nadeem's monstrous throw that saw him go top. Nadeem's first attempt was a foul. Nadeem clocked 88.72m, 79.40m and 84.87m in his next three attempts respectively as Chopra committed three successive fouls. Nadeem finished with 91.79m whereas Chopra ended with another foul.
Nadeem breaks Andreas Thorkildsen's Olympic record
Nadeem broke the record of Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen, who managed 90.57m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Notably, Nadeem's throw of 92.97m is also his personal best in his career and also an Asian record. He now owns the two best Olympic throws (92.97m and 91.79m).
Anderson pips Jakub to take home the bronze medal
Jakub Vadlejch, who clocked a throw of 88.50m in his third attempt, was in hunt for a medal. However, Anderson bettered the tally with a throw of 88.54m in his 4th attempt. Kenya's Julius Yego finished 5th (87.72m) ahead of Germany's Julian Weber (87.40m).
Chopra qualified for javelin final after 89.34m throw
Chopra qualified for the men's javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics with an 89.34m throw (Group B) at the Stade de France on Tuesday. He clocked his then best throw at a global championship. Chopra also managed his second-best throw ever, after 89.94m at the Stockholm Diamond League. Notably, Chopra qualified on his first attempt.
When Chopra secured India's first Olympic gold in athletics
In 2021 (Tokyo 2020 Games), Chopra became only the second Indian to clinch an individual gold medal at the Olympics after former shooter Abhinav Bindra. A throw of 87.58m in the men's javelin throw final helped Indian enter the record books. Notably, Chopra claimed Independent India's first medal in athletics.
Chopra joins Norman Pritchard with this record
Chopra has joined Norman Pritchard to win two individual medals in athletics at the Olympics. Pritchard (British Indian) claimed two medals at the 1900 Paris Games. He won silver in men's 200m and men's 200m hurdles.
Chopra records his 2nd-best throw to seal silver in Paris
Here we look at Chopra's best career throws: 89.94m - Diamond League, Stockholm; 89.45m - Paris Olympics; 89.34m - Paris Olympics (Qualification); 89.30m - Paavo Nurmi Games; 89.08m - Diamond League, Lausanne; 88.88m - Asian Games, Hangzhou.
5th Indian individual to win multiple Olympic medals
By winning silver in Paris, Chopra is now the 5th Indian individual with multiple medals at the Olympics. He joins the likes of Pritchard, wrestler Sushil Kumar (bronze 2008, silver 2012), shuttler PV Sindhu (silver 2016, bronze 2020) and shooter Manu Bhaker (2 bronze medals 2024). Chopra also handed India a 4th medal in athletics. It's also India's third silver medal in athletics.
Just one valid throw for Neeraj
Despite taking home the silver, Neeraj should be disappointed with his performance on the big night. He managed one valid throw from six attempts. It was frustrating for Chopra and his face said it all.
5th medal for India at 2024 Paris Olympics
Chopra has handed India a fifth medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Before this, India won three bronze medals in shooting before the men's hockey team added a fourth bronze medal on Thursday evening after beating Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match.
