Happy birthday, Neeraj Chopra: India raise a toast to javelin superstar
Neeraj Chopra celebrated his 26th birthday on December 24. He was born in Haryana in 1997.
Athletics
Indian javelin throw ace Neeraj Chopra turned 26-years-old on Sunday, December 24, and the country came together to celebrate the Olympic champion on his birthday.
Born in 1997 in Haryana’s Khandra village, Neeraj Chopra, today, is not only a household name in India but a global track and field superstar. The past year saw Chopra successfully defend his Asian Games crown and become the first Indian to become a world champion in any senior athletics event.
With his gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Neeraj Chopra also completed an extremely rare and coveted set.
Already a gold medallist at the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships, Junior World Championships and a Diamond League trophy winner, the Indian javelin throw star has already won every major honour to be won in his sport.
To celebrate the modern day icon’s special day, the Indian sports fraternity came together on social media.
Among the first to send his wishes was former wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, Chopra’s fellow Olympic medallist. Addressing Chopra as his younger brother, Yogeshwar, a bronze medallist from London 2012, lauded the Tokyo Olympic champion for making his country proud.
Hockey player Devindar Walmiki, who represented India at Rio 2016, echoed the sentiments.
“Reigning Olympic champion and a man of golden heart, Neeraj Chopra! You are one of a kind, my friend. The way you make our nation proud is simply commendable. Sending warm regards on your birthday,” Walmiki, a 2016 Asian Champions Trophy winner said.
Squash player Surbhi Misra, who represented India at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, and badminton player Trupti Murgunde also wished Chopra.
Fans and eminent dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also sent in their best wishes.
The coming year promises to be a big one for Neeraj Chopra, who will be seen defending the men’s javelin Olympic crown he won in Tokyo back in 2021 at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.