BUDAPEST, Aug 25: In a remarkable display of skill, Neeraj Chopra secured his place in the 2024 Paris Olympics and the World Championships javelin throw final with a standout throw of 88.77m on Friday.
Chopra’s exceptional performance was complemented by DP Manu, achieving a distance of 81.31m, and Kishore Jena, attaining 80.55m. This historic moment marked the first instance of three Indian athletes qualifying for an event final at the World Championships.
With the Paris Olympics qualification mark set at 85.50m, Chopra’s first attempt in the Group A qualification round exceeded expectations, making him the top qualifier. Notably, the 25-year-old had previously secured a silver medal in the 2022 World Championships held in the USA.
Having achieved the automatic final qualification distance of 83m, Chopra chose not to take further attempts and concluded his participation in the competition. The final round, slated for Sunday, promises an intense showdown.
Chopra expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, “During the warm-up I felt the power and knew I could make it with only one throw. It felt great releasing the javelin and the result was very satisfying. I was able to save energy for the final since I threw with only 90 per cent effort. I will definitely give everything in the final as I would like to have a world gold as well (as one from the Olympic Games),” highlighting his determination to achieve a world gold medal.
Accompanying Chopra, DP Manu made his mark in his debut World Championships, securing third place in his group and sixth place overall with an impressive throw of 81.31m. Similarly, Kishore Jena, despite facing initial visa challenges, secured fifth place in Group B and ninth place overall with a distance of 80.55m.
A coach from the Indian contingent celebrated the historic achievement, remarking, “For the first time three Indians have qualified for the final round of an event in World Championships. It has never happened earlier. It’s a historic day for Indian javelin.”
Neeraj Chopra, having clinched gold medals in the Olympics (Tokyo 2021), Asian Games (2018), and Commonwealth Games (2018), aims to add a World Championships gold to his illustrious collection. His consistent performance and accomplishments make him a true Indian sports icon.
Chopra’s journey to the final paralleled his previous successes, where he needed just one throw to qualify for both the last edition of the World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics. These instances culminated in a silver medal in Eugene and a gold medal in Tokyo.
Furthermore, six other track and field athletes have already secured their spots in the 2024 Olympics before Chopra. Akshdeep Singh, Vikas Singh, and Paramjeet Bisht earned their places in the men’s 20km race walk, while Priyanka Goswami qualified for the women’s 20km race walk. Additionally, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar and 3000m steeplechaser Avinash Sable have also successfully qualified. (PTI)
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