07 August,2021 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
India`s Neeraj Chopra (C) holds the Tricolor after winning gold medal
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra became the second Indian to win an individual gold in the Olympics. He outperformed the field by quite a distance to notch up the first track-and-field Games medal for the country. Indian sports fraternity took to Twitter to congratulate Chopra for his historic win.
Former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar wrote a heartfelt post for Chopra.
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Elated former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote, "Woooww! He's a rocket, it's a Gold and there are a billion tears of joy. Such days don't come easy. The first Indian ever to win a Olympic medal in Athletics and it is a #GoldMedal. #NeerajChopra you champion. We are so proud of you. Thank you for giving us so much joy (sic)."
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra said Chopra's achievement becomes "even more memorable" considering the stiff competition in the mega event. "Many congratulations on becoming India's second Olympic Gold medalist. To win a Gold at the grandest sporting event in the world, which is held once every four years, is in itself so improbable that less than 3% of the 11,707 athletes competing in Tokyo will end up with one," Bindra said in a letter congratulating Chopra.
Wasim Jaffer, former Indian Test cricketer too wished Chopra.
India's premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya called Chopra a 'Champion'.
"Heartiest congratulations to you @Neeraj_chopra1 for bringing the first GOLD home. Proud of your tremendous performance! Jai HindFlag of IndiaClapping hands sign #Cheer4India #JavelinThrow #Olympics #Tokyo2020 (sic)," wrote former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina.
Wrestler Ritu Phogat also lauded the javelin thrower for winning the gold medal.
The 23-year-old farmer's son from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana produced a second round throw of 87.58m in the finals to stun the athletics world and end India's 100-year wait for a track and field medal in the Olympics.
Chopra won the country's seventh medal and first gold in this Olympics and joined shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008 Beijing Games) as India's individual gold winners in the showpiece.
With inputs from agencies
