CWG 2022: Neeraj Chopra's heroics inspired young athletes' medal rush

10.08.2022 - 07:01 timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Young Indian athletes to the fore at CWGBENGALURU: A series of superb performances by the Indian jumpers, led by triple jumpers Eldhose Paul and Abdulla Aboobacker and middle distance runner Avinash Sable, powered India to the 12th spot in the athletics medals table, sixth by total, and made sure that the absence of Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra was not a big talking point.

As an India team coach put it on the eve of the Games, Chopra's triumph in Tokyo galvanised a few Indian athletes and also broke the mental barrier of the legendary one hundredth of a second agony suffered by Milkha Singh and PT Usha.

Instead, these athletes found that extra ounce of energy to peak at the right time and to produce their personal bests. Read AlsoCommonwealth Games 2022: India's haul of fame in BirminghamTraditionally, India wins truckloads of medals at the CWG.

Before Birmingham 2022, anticipation of medals was there, but not a deluge. The absence of shooting, a sport where India dominates at the CWG stage, meant the general perception was that the final medal tally will drop drastically.

Sporting shooting athletics Neeraj Chopra Avinash Sable Tokyo India Birmingham county Young

Read more on the timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Neeraj took to Twitter to wish people and wrote, "On #NationalSportsDay, I appeal to every single Indian to play a sport, stay active and healthy. Let's make India a great sporting nation!

Neeraj Chopra scripts another history, wins Lausanne Diamond League title

The 24-year-old Chopra, who had pulled out of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games due to a "minor" groin injury he had suffered while winning a silver during the World Championships last month, hurled the spear to 89.08m in his first attempt to seal the win in style. Chopra rested and rehabilitated for a month but it looked like the injury had not happened at all as he continued his vintage form. The 89.08m throw was his third career-best effort. His second throw measured 85.18m before passing on his third attempt.

Neeraj Chopra Aims To Make History At Lausanne Diamond League

A fit-again Neeraj Chopra can create another piece of history when he takes part in the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne on Friday. The 24-year-old Olympic champion javelin thrower has recovered from the "minor" groin strain injury he had suffered while winning a historic silver medal during the World Championships in Eugene, USA, last month. A top-three finish here will ensure Chopra a berth in the Diamond League Finals in Zurich on September 7 and 8 as he is at fourth spot in the standings with seven points. He had finished second in the Stockholm leg -- his first-ever podium -- on June 30.

Lausanne Diamond League: Another piece of history awaits Neeraj Chopra

The 24-year-old Olympic champion javelin thrower has recovered from the "minor" groin strain injury he had suffered while winning a historic silver medal during the World Championships in Eugene, USA, last month. A top-three finish here will ensure Chopra a berth in the Diamond League Finals in Zurich on September 7 and 8 as he is at fourth spot in the standings with seven points. He had finished second in the Stockholm leg -- his first-ever podium -- on June 30.

"Feeling Strong And Ready": Neeraj Chopra To Participate In Lausanne Diamond League

After missing the Commonwealth Games 2022, Tokyo Olympics javelin gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on Tuesday announced that he will be representing India in Lausanne Diamond League, starting from Friday. Taking to Twitter Neeraj Chopra said that he is feeling strong and ready for the upcoming event. "Feeling strong and ready for Friday. Thanks for the support, everyone. See you in Lausanne!" Neeraj tweeted. Earlier in July, star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was ruled out of Commonwealth Games.

National Javelin Day recap: A reminder of how Neeraj Chopra has inspired countless young athletes

On August 7 this year, on the first anniversary of Neeraj's historic gold medal finish at the Japan National Stadium when he sealed the deal with a majestic throw of 87.58m, the first National Javelin Day was celebrated in the country. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had earlier announced that from now on August 7 will be commemorated as National Javelin Day. According to AFI President Adille J Sumariwalla, this step has been taken to promote the sport at the grassroots level to encourage more and more kids to take up javelin, with Neeraj as their shining idol. As many as 32 State and Union Territory units affiliated to the AFI organised Javelin competitions on August 7. The competitions were held in various categories like, U-14, U-16, U-18, U-20 and Men's. The U-14 category of the Delhi State competition was won by 13-year-old Taksh Lohiya.