In a thrilling showdown at the Paris Olympics 2024, Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in the men’s javelin final, with a best throw of 89.45 metres. Despite a valiant effort, Chopra couldn’t retain his Olympic gold, as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem clinched the top spot with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 metres. This historic achievement not only marked Pakistan’s first-ever track and field gold but also set a new Olympic record on Thursday, 8 August.
Chopra, who entered the competition as the reigning Olympic champion, delivered the second-best throw of his career. His 89.45 metres throw, though impressive, was overshadowed by Nadeem’s remarkable performance. “It was probably the day for a 90m throw. It was needed as well. I haven’t thought about it (90m throw) that much. But it is coming to my mind now. I gave it my all,” said Chopra, reflecting on the intense competition.
The contest saw Neeraj adding a silver medal to his growing list of accolades, making him only the fifth Indian athlete to win multiple Olympic medals. His single valid attempt out of six showcased his resilience, even on a day that wasn’t his best. Yet, he brought home India’s first silver of the Paris Olympics, a proud moment for the nation.
Arshad Nadeem, the son of a construction worker, defied the odds with his historic performance. His 92.97 metres throw not only secured the gold but also broke the previous Olympic record set by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “When Arshad threw 92.97m, I believed in my mind that I would be able to do it (90m) today. It didn’t happen today. Let’s see when it will happen. But the competition was very intense and exciting. Winning a medal for my country makes me happy,” Chopra expressed to India Today’s Nikhil Naz.
The final saw Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion, taking the bronze with a best throw of 88.54 metres. Meanwhile, Jakub Vadlejch, the Tokyo silver medallist and Diamond Trophy winner, finished fourth. This year’s competition also marked a significant shift, as for the first time, the men’s javelin event at the Olympics did not see a European athlete on the podium. Neeraj and Arshad made history by ensuring India and Pakistan finished 1-2 in this fiercely competitive event.
The contest was a reversal of last year’s World Championships, where Neeraj Chopra took gold and Arshad Nadeem silver. However, this time, Nadeem’s extraordinary effort not only earned him the gold but also set a new benchmark in Olympic javelin history. The pressure on Neeraj was evident as he fouled several attempts after Nadeem’s record-breaking throw.
Despite the intense competition, Neeraj Chopra remained focused and determined. His efforts, although not enough to reclaim the gold, solidified his status as one of India’s greatest athletes. The event was a spectacle of athletic prowess, with Nadeem even managing two throws above the 90m mark, the second measuring 91.79m.
This electrifying final also witnessed Olympic medalists and top athletes from around the world competing, with five of them surpassing Neeraj’s Tokyo gold medal mark of 87.58 metres. The evening at Stade de France was a testament to the fierce competition and determination of the athletes involved.
In conclusion, while Neeraj Chopra’s silver was a moment of pride for India, Arshad Nadeem’s gold with a new Olympic record was the highlight of the evening. This event not only showcased the athletic rivalry between India and Pakistan but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
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