Image Source: hindustantimes.com After 13 days and the penultimate event of their campaign, India finally secured a medal other than bronze at the Paris Olympics 2024. Neeraj Chopra, a leading figure in Indian athletics, fell short of defending his Tokyo gold but secured a silver—India’s first silver of the Games. Chopra’s best throw, a season-best 89.45 meters, came on his second attempt and was the only valid throw of the day. Despite this notable achievement, he was outperformed by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters.
Chopra, now India’s second individual male athlete to win multiple Olympic medals after wrestler Sushil Kumar, was considered India’s top hope for Paris 2024. However, the competition was intense, with strong contenders like Julian Weber, Anderson Peters, and Arshad Nadeem. The event started unexpectedly as Chopra, Nadeem, and Weber all fouled their initial attempts. Nadeem, initially struggling, soon delivered a throw surpassing 90 meters, putting pressure on Chopra.
Chopra finally recorded a valid throw on his second attempt but faltered with additional fouls on his subsequent tries. By the fourth round, Peters had moved into the lead with an 88.54-meter throw. Chopra attempted to improve his standing but fouled again, registering another no-throw. Nadeem, despite a throw of 79.40 meters, maintained his lead as Chopra held onto second place.
In the fifth round, Neeraj fouled again, intensifying the pressure. Nadeem extended his lead with an 84.87-meter throw, ensuring his gold. As competitors took their final throws, Chopra had one last chance but fouled again, sealing his silver. Nadeem’s gold was secured even before his final attempt, which ended with a spectacular 91.79 meters.
