Javelin Throw Day: Know about Neeraj Chopra

The Athletics Federation of India has decided to mark August 7 each year as Javelin Throw Day. The National Javelin Throw Day commemorates Neeraj Chopra's historic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics 2021. 

This is an effort of the Athletics Federation of India to attract more youngsters to the sport. The current chairman of the Federation's Planning Committee, Lalit Bhanot, plans to conduct javelin throw competitions every year all over India on August 7.

23-year-old Neeraj Chopra is India's second individual Olympic gold medalist. India's first Olympic gold medalist was Abhinav Bindra, who, on August 11, 2008, made history by winning the 10m Air Rifle event at the Beijing Olympics. August 11 remains an equally special day for all Olympic enthusiasts. 

National Javelin Throw Day

The Athletics Federation of India and their affiliated units will hold javelin throw competitions across Indian states to celebrate Neeraj Chopra's throw of 87.58 m on August 7, 2021. The Federation is also confident of initiating district-level competitions.

About Neeraj Chopra's Journey in Javelin Throw

Neeraj Chopra is reportedly the first Indian track and field athlete to win a gold medal at Olympic javelin throw. He's also the first track and field athlete from India to win the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in 2016. Here are some facts about him that you may not have heard of:

• He owns the world's under-20 record of javelin throw of 86.48 m. He's the first Indian athlete to have set a world record. 
• In August 2021, Wold Athletics ranked him second internationally. 
• He has won gold medals for javelin throw for the 2018 Asian Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

According to Chopra, his inclusion in the national-level training camp after he was fifth in the javelin throw competition at the 2015 National Games in Kerala marked a seismic shift in his career. 

Future of Javelin Throw According to AFI

The first National Open Javelin Throw Championships were organized by the Athletics Federation of India in 2018. Anju Bobby George, the Senior Vice-President of the Athletics Federation of India, was the first Indian to earn a bronze medal in Long Jump in Olympics 2003. 

To sum up, the table below highlights the records Neeraj Chopra achieved in javelin throw events nationally and internationally.

FAQS about Javelin Throw Day

• Which day is celebrated as National Javelin Throw Day?

Ans. August 7 each year will be celebrated as Javelin Throw Day. 

• Who is commemorated through National Javelin Throw Day?

Ans. Neeraj Chopra is commemorated through Javelin Throw Day.

• Who decided to mark August 7 as National Javelin Throw Day?

Ans. The Athletics Federation of India decided to mark August 7 as Javelin Throw Day.