Draped in the tricolour, a radiant symbol of victory, after securing a historic first gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, Neeraj Chopra’s spontaneous words reverberated with profundity. “This medal is for all of India. Keep working hard in different fields. We have to make a name in the world.” There is no better stage and statement to encapsulate the soaring ambition that defines the emerging landscape of the new India.
In a way, Neeraj’s stupendous feat of propelling a javelin a distance of 88.17 m on a balmy Sunday night in Budapest capped off India’s remarkable week on the global stage. A momentous moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3 that saw record viewership on YouTube was followed by prodigious teenager R. Praggnanandhaa’s final showdown with Magnus Carlsen at the Chess World Cup. Then, a relay team that truly symbolises the country’s diversity in an “Amar, Akbar, Anthony” kind of way shattered the Asian record in the 4x400m.
Indian athletes are no longer merely making their presence felt in premier sporting events; they have emerged as a force to be reckoned with. The success stories across different domains, whether in sports, space, or technology, all point to a country that is stepping into its own as a formidable global power.
At 25, Neeraj has ascended to dizzy heights from a humble farming family in Haryana. Neeraj’s journey stands as a testament to the power of hard work and the ability to overcome obstacles. His story resonates with individuals from all walks of life, reminding them that with focus and resilience, no goal is too distant to achieve.
From becoming the Junior World Champion in 2016 to securing the Asian title in 2017, winning the Commonwealth Games gold in 2018, clinching the Olympic gold in 2021, and emerging victorious in the Diamond League in 2022, Neeraj’s list of accomplishments reads like a script meticulously written for the emergence of an all-time great. And he remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. “Throwers don't have a finish line”, they say, and Neeraj is not ready to rest on his laurels. His hunger for improvement and relentless pursuit of perfection reflect his mindset. Breaching the elusive 90m mark seems just a matter of time for Neeraj.
The presence of two other Indians, Kishore Jena and D.P. Manu, among the top six in the javelin final at the Worlds underlined Neeraj's legacy. Just as in the illustrious era of field hockey during the 50s and 60s, an Indian standing alongside a Pakistani on the podium brings pride to both neighbouring nations.
Neeraj’s accomplishments in a short span are made even more remarkable when placed in the context of history. Only two javelin throwers - the legendary Jan Zelezny and Andreas Thorkildsen - have ever managed to secure the coveted trifecta of an Olympic, Continental and the World title. What's even more astonishing is that both Zelezny and Thorkildsen achieved this rare feat at an older age compared to Neeraj.
Neeraj's rise to stardom holds a lot of significance for a cricket-obsessed country. Having a world champion in athletics, often considered the essence of all sports, is truly remarkable. However, it's important to note that these achievements come with challenges. Infrastructure gaps, funding limitations, and issues in sporting federations often impede India’s sporting talent. To cement its global power status, India needs to invest more in athletes, forge partnerships with private companies, and foster their growth.
