India’s javelin sweetheart, Neeraj Chopra marked his return to the sport on Tuesday since his historic night in Tokyo last year. And he did so in style, breaking the national record with an effort of 89.30m. The previous record was that of a 88.07m, set by Chopra himself at the Indian Grand Prix in Patiala in March 2021. He finished second only to Oliver Helander, who produced a personal best throw of 89.93m.
The 24-year old had been away from the game since his win at Tokyo Olympics attending felicitation events, shooting commercials and making his presence on talk shows. His throw of 89.30m was the fifth best throw this year.
Chopra’s first throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland travelled 86.92m. He was unable to manage a legal throw in his third, fourth and fifth attempts. The Olympic gold medalist finished with a throw of 85.85m.
It was only obvious that the Twitterati celebrated their champion’s return to action in style.
Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra settles for a Silver Medal with a New National Record Throw of 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.@afi We can see several performance hikes in various events this season. Hope for more further. @Adille1@Media_SAI@SPORTINGINDIAtwpic.twitter.com/cBLg4Ke8nh
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) June 14, 2022
neeraj chopra is quite a remarkable young man. since tokyo he’s been swamped by felicitations, awards etc etc. he’s charmed his way through all that, got back to training, turned up at his first competition and smashed the national record!
— Paavo Nurmi Games (@paavonurmigames) June 14, 2022
Brilliant and Spectacular!!!
Congratulations to ace Javelin thrower & nation’s pride @Neeraj_chopra1 on clinching Silver & setting a new national record with 89.30 metres at #PaavoNurmiGames in Finland. Well Done Champion!
