Modi, Murmu and others praise Neeraj Chopra for winning Olympic silver medal
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded Neeraj Chopra as "excellence personified" after he became the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win two successive Olympic medals with a silver in men's javelin throw.
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record for his country's maiden individual gold at the showpiece event. Nadeem managed an astonishing 92.97m in his second attempt to set the bar too high for the rest of the field, including Chopra, who covered 89.45m in the second round to win the silver.
In a post on X, the prime minister said, "Neeraj Chopra is excellence personified! Time and again he's shown his brilliance. India is elated that he comes back with yet another Olympic success."
He added, "Congratulations to him on winning the Silver. He will continue to motivate countless upcoming athletes to pursue their dreams and make our nation proud."
President Murmu congratulated Neeraj Chopra and said that India is proud of him.
"Heartiest congratulations to Neeraj Chopra on winning silver medal in Paris Olympics and scripting history. He is the first Indian athlete to win a gold and a silver medal in two successive Olympic Games. India is proud of him. His feat will inspire generations to come. India looks forward to Neeraj Chopra bringing home more medals and glory in the future," President Murmu said in a post on X.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari hailed Neeraj for clinching the silver medal at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Gadkari added that the Indian javelin thrower's dedication and exceptional skill have brought glory to the nation.
"Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 for clinching the silver medal in Men's Javelin Throw at the Paris Olympics 2024! Your relentless dedication and exceptional skill have once again brought glory to India. May your achievement inspire future generations and continue to shine brightly on the global stage. Here's to many more successes ahead," Nitin Gadkari wrote on X.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju congratulated Neeraj Chopra for sealing a silver medal at the ongoing Summer Games.
"The silver medal winning throw from our champion @Neeraj_chopra1 at 89.45 m," Kiren Rijiju wrote on X.
Neeraj's 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. 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.
- Agencies