Tokyo: India’s hopes of an elusive Olympic medal from track and field events remain alive with Neeraj Chopra making it to the final of the men’s javelin throw event scheduled tomorrow.
Total 12 players will contest for the javelin throw final of the Olympics scheduled at 4:30 PM IST on August 7 .
Chopra had a earned a direct qualification into the finals with a stunning throw of 86.65 m that put him on the top of the Group A contest on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old, competing in his first Olympics, sent the spear well past the qualifying mark of 83.50 m in his first attempt.
He finished ahead of gold medal favourite and 2017 world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany. This was Chopra’s seventh best throw and third best of the season 2021.
His six best throws are; 88.07 m (March 2021; Indian GP-3), 88.06m (2018, Asian Games), 87.87m (January 2020; ACNW Meeting in South Africa), 87.80m (March 2021; Federation Cup), 87.43m (May 2018, Doha Diamond League) and 86.79 (June 2021; Kuortane Games in Finland), as per NDTV Sports.
The reigning Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist had finished 3rd in Kuortane Games where Vetter took the gold.
Wishing him luck and hoping for gold through his sand art on Puri beach, artist Manas Sahoo said the blessings of Lord Jagannath and prayers of all Indians are with Chopra.
