PM Narendra Modi lauds cricket icon Mithali Raj and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra for his recent performances

cricket icon Mithali Raj as an 'inspiration' and praised Olympic gold medal-winning javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra for his recent performances in his address to the nation during the latest episode of 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday. PM Modi said, "Our Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal at Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. He also broke his own javelin throw national record.

Neeraj Chopra once again made the country proud by winning gold in Kuortane Games as well." After capturing the gold medal in Tokyo Olympics last year, the star javelin-thrower showcased his dominating ways in his recent outings in the sport. On June 14, Chopra set a new national record and finished with a silver medal with a throw of 89.30 metres at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, improving his own previous national record of 88.07 meters, which he had set in Patiala in March last year. This was Chopra's first outing in an international competition since his historic gold medal-winning throw of 87.58 meters at the Tokyo Games on August 7, 2021.

The 89.30 meters throw saw him finish second on the podium at the Paavo Nurmi Games, behind the Finnish favourite Oliver Helander, who achieved a personal best of 89.93 meters. On June 18, the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist gave another sterling performance as he clinched gold in the 2022 Kuortane Games in Finland. Neeraj threw 86.69m to clinch the top prize in tricky and wet conditions.

The Golden Boy of India will next take part in the Stockholm leg of the Diamond League on June 30. 'Mithali Raj has been an inspiration' The PM also extended good wishes to legendary Indian batter Mithali and said that she has been an inspiration for many sportspersons. Test and ODI captain of the Indian women's