In the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024, hopes were high for India’s “Golden Boy,” Neeraj Chopra, to win gold for the second consecutive time. However, the gold eluded him as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem broke the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Despite settling for silver, the 26-year-old Indian athlete achieved remarkable feats, setting records no other Indian athlete has.
1st First Indian to Win 2 Medals in Track and Field
Even though Neeraj missed gold, he made a significant achievement by claiming silver with a throw of 89.45 meters. This accomplishment made him the first Indian to win medals in track and field events at two consecutive Olympics. Neeraj had won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and secured silver in Paris.
3rd Indian to Win Medals in Consecutive Olympics
With his silver medal in Paris, Neeraj Chopra became the third Indian to win medals in individual sports at two consecutive Olympics (2021, 2024). Before him, wrestler Sushil Kumar (2008 and 2012) and badminton player P.V. Sindhu (2016 and 2021) had achieved this milestone.
5th Indian to Win Multiple Individual Olympic Medals
Neeraj Chopra also became the fifth Indian athlete to win more than one medal in individual Olympic events. The athletes who have achieved this are:
- Norman Pritchard: 2 Silver
- Sushil Kumar: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
- P.V. Sindhu: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Manu Bhaker: 2 Bronze
- Neeraj Chopra: 1 Gold, 1 Silver
Most Successful Indian in Individual Olympic Sports
By securing the silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, Neeraj Chopra became the most successful Indian athlete in individual Olympic sports. He has earned 1 gold and 1 silver medal, surpassing badminton player P.V. Sindhu (1 silver, 1 bronze), wrestler Sushil Kumar (1 silver, 1 bronze), and shooter Manu Bhaker (2 bronze), who each have two Olympic medals.
