Neeraj Chopra is an Indian javelin thrower who has risen to global prominence through his extraordinary achievements in athletics. Known for his remarkable talent and dedication, he has become a symbol of national pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes in India.
This article delves into Neeraj Chopra Age, Height, illustrious career, highlighting his journey from a small village in Haryana to winning international accolades, including Olympic gold. It provides detailed insights into his records, awards, and his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Neeraj Chopra Age And Height
Neeraj Chopra, born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra, a small village in Panipat, Haryana, has become a household name in India. His remarkable achievements in the field of javelin throw have not only brought him international fame but also made him a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in the country. Standing tall at 6 feet (1.82 meters), Neeraj’s journey from a small village to the global stage is truly inspirational.
Early Life And Background
Neeraj was born into a farming family. As a child, he struggled with obesity, which led his family to enroll him in a local gym. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for sports, particularly javelin throw. His early training was rudimentary, involving running on mud tracks and practicing with locally made javelins. Despite these challenges, Neeraj’s dedication and hard work shone through.
His initial training under Jaiveer Choudhary and later at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Panipat set the foundation for his future success. By the age of 14, Neeraj had already made a name for himself at the junior nationals with a throw of 68.46 meters.
Sports Career Of Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj’s breakthrough came in 2016 when he won the gold medal at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, with a record-breaking throw of 86.48 meters. This performance not only earned him global recognition but also a direct appointment as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army.
His success continued with gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, solidifying his position as one of the top javelin throwers in the world.
Neeraj Chopra Olympics
The pinnacle of Neeraj’s career came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite stiff competition, Neeraj dominated the event with a throw of 87.58 meters, winning India its first-ever Olympic gold in athletics. This victory catapulted him to national hero status and brought immense pride to the country.
Awards Won By Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj’s list of accolades is extensive. He has won gold medals at the South Asian Games, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics. In 2023, he added another feather to his cap by winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in any athletics discipline.
Neeraj has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award in 2018, the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2020, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the Padma Shri in 2022.
Neeraj Chopra Gold Medal
Gold medals won by Neeraj Chopra in various championships and the respective years:
| Year | Championship | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | South Asian Games | Guwahati, India |
| 2016 | IAAF World U20 Championships | Bydgoszcz, Poland |
| 2017 | Asian Championships | Bhubaneswar, India |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games | Gold Coast, Australia |
| 2018 | Sotteville Athletics Meet | Sotteville-les-Rouen, France |
| 2018 | Savo Games | Lapinlahti, Finland |
| 2018 | Asian Games | Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia |
| 2021 | Tokyo Olympics 2020 | Tokyo, Japan |
| 2023 | World Athletics Championships | Budapest, Hungary |
| 2023 | Asian Games | Hangzhou, China |
| 2023 | Lausanne Diamond League | Lausanne, Switzerland |
Neeraj Chopra Records
Records held by Neeraj Chopra in various championships and events:
| Year | Record | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 86.48 meters | IAAF World U20 Championships (Under-20 World Record) | Bydgoszcz, Poland |
| 2018 | 88.06 meters | Asian Games Record | Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia |
| 2021 | 87.58 meters | Olympic Games (Indian National Record at the time) | Tokyo, Japan |
| 2022 | 89.94 meters | Stockholm Diamond League (Personal Best) | Stockholm, Sweden |
| 2023 | 88.17 meters | World Athletics Championships | Budapest, Hungary |
| 2023 | 88.44 meters | Asian Games | Hangzhou, China |
Neeraj Chopra Net Worth And Endorsements
As of 2023, Neeraj Chopra net worth is estimated to be between $4 to $5 million. His earnings come from various sources, including his salary as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, prize money from competitions, and numerous brand endorsements. Neeraj has partnered with brands like Nike, Gatorade, and JSW Sports, among others, further boosting his income.
Neeraj Chopra Paris Olympics 2024
Looking ahead, Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics. As India’s sole defending champion, he aims to retain his title and add another gold medal to his collection. Neeraj has already made headlines by directly qualifying for the finals with a stunning throw of 89.34 meters, breaking his previous records. This performance has showcased his top form and readiness to take on the world’s best once again.
Neeraj Chopra Army
In addition to his athletic achievements, Neeraj Chopra serves as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, holding the rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana Rifles. He was appointed under the sports quota following his gold medal win at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the global stage of the Olympics is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. His achievements have not only brought glory to India but also paved the way for future athletes. As he prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the nation stands behind him, cheering for its golden boy to make history once again.
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