Neeraj’s throw of 89.45m earned him second place on the rostrum. Though it was his greatest efficiency of the season, it wasn’t sufficient to safe gold, which went to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem with a throw of 92.97m, setting a brand new Olympic report.
The earlier Olympic report of 90.57m was held by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway, set throughout the 2008 Beijing Video games. Thorkildsen was current within the stands, together with three-time Olympic champion and world report holder Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic.
Neeraj turned solely the third Indian athlete, and the primary in monitor and area, to win back-to-back particular person Olympic medals. Wrestler Sushil Kumar (2008 and 2012) and shuttler PV Sindhu (2016 and 2021) are the others who’ve achieved this feat.
After profitable the silver medal, Neeraj, who had beforehand gained gold on the Tokyo Olympics, mentioned:
“All of us really feel completely happy every time we win a medal for the nation. It’s time to enhance the sport now. We are going to sit, focus on, and improve our efficiency. India carried out effectively on the Paris Olympics, and the competitors was robust. Aaj Arshad ka din tha (Immediately was Arshad’s day). I gave my greatest, however there are areas that want enchancment.”
“Our nationwide anthem could not have been performed right this moment, however it’s going to positively be performed someplace sooner or later. If not in Paris, then elsewhere,” he added.
“(Acha hai ander. Ander throw to hai. Wo niklegi jab sab tarike se match ho jayenge aur mentally tayyar ho jayenge) It’s all good inside. My greatest throw is but to return out. It can come after I’m fully match and mentally ready,” he concluded.
