Neeraj Chopra wins silver medal despite not being 100 per cent fit

NEERAJ COMES UP WITH A PERSONAL BEST OF 89.45 METRES TO WIN SILVER

- S.KANNAN

Neeraj Chopra has not been in peak shape. Everyone knew that he is dealing with an ‘adductor issue’ and he has treated it conservatively. On Thursday night at the Stade De France, Neeraj came up with a personal best of 89.45 metres to win a silver medal in Paris 2024. This was against the gold medal won by Neeraj’s best friend from Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem, who had a massive 92.97 metres to show for a gold medal.

By all that one witnessed live in Paris late Thursday night, this was not Neeraj in peak shape. For him to race in and fling the javelin is a rhythm, a motion which is scientifically correct. His first attempt was a foul and the red flag went up. When his turn came for the second throw, he was more determined as he registered 89.45 metres. This was his season’s best and even better than what he did in the Tokyo Olympics when he won gold.

Fans may be unhappy Neeraj did not win a gold medal again in the Olympics but even this silver is historic. No Indian track and field athlete has ever achieved this, two back to back medals in the Olympics.