MAGIC MOMENT
Neeraj’s golden throw marked high on athletics site
New Delhi, Aug. 11: Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s historic goldwinning feat in the Olympics was listed as one of the 10 magical moments of track and field in the Tokyo Games by World Athletics.
The 23-year-Chopra clinched the country’s maiden Olympic medal in athletics with a best throw of 87.58m on Saturday to become only the second Indian to win an individual yellow metal in the Games.
“Most keen followers of the sport had heard of Neeraj Chopra before the Olympic Games. But after winning the javelin in Tokyo, and in the process becoming India’s first athletics gold medallist in Olympic history, Chopra’s profile sky-rocketed,” the global governing body said on its website.
WA noted that the 23year-old Chopra had
143,000 followers before the Olympics, but now has a staggering 3.2million (on Instagram), making him the most followed track and field athlete in the world.
In a tweet posted after winning the gold in Tokyo, Chopra has said, “Still processing this feeling. To all of India and beyond, thank you so much for your support and blessings that have helped me reach this stage. This moment will live with me forever.”
Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci was one of those former international stars who congratulated Chopra on Twitter.
ODISHA FELICITATES
HOCKEY PLAYERS
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday felicitated the Indian hockey players of the state and handed them cash awards for their historic performances at the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics.
While Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas were awarded `2.5 crores each following the men team’s historic bronze-medal winning feat in Tokyo, Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo were handed `50 lakh each after the women’s side reached the semifinal stage for the first time in Olympics.
Patnaik also handed Lakra and Rohidas offer letters for appointment as Deputy Superintendent of Police in the State Police department during the felicitation program at the Kalinga Stadium here.
Later, Rohidas broke down while sharing the struggles to reach his present position.
While sharing his feelings with reporters, the player who takes the first risk of defending the penalty corner shot by the rivals, said the journey from his nondescript village Sounamora in Sundergarh to Tokyo and winning the bronze was possible because of his father’s blessings.
“My father, who is no more, had a dream that I would play in the Olympics. His blessings played a significant role in my Olympics journey. I am also much indebted to my family which stood firmly behind me during the testing times,” Amit said tears welling up in his eyes.
“Many times I practiced the game with an empty stomach when my family was reeling under abject poverty. I have travelled to far off places on tractors, trucks and cycles for playing matches. My dedication and hard work has finally paid off,” the hockey bronze medallist signed off.