Neeraj Chopra claimed the silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, as Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking performance secured him the gold.
Source: NDTV

India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has made a candid admission about the javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite giving his all, Chopra fell short of claiming his second consecutive Olympic gold, as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem secured the top spot with a record-breaking throw. Nadeem’s phenomenal 92.97m in his second attempt set an insurmountable benchmark for the competition. Chopra, appearing to be under pressure, managed only one valid throw — an impressive 89.45m in the second round, earning him the silver medal.

Neeraj Chopra Reflects on Pressure from Arshad Nadeem’s Performance

In a recent interaction, Neeraj Chopra admitted that Arshad Nadeem’s massive second attempt added pressure during the competition.

“The first throw significantly impacts an athlete’s mindset. My first throw was really good, but I made a foul. The track was new, and I faced some issues adjusting. I tried to avoid fouling again, but I couldn’t. The competition was tough,” Neeraj shared during the Mission Olympics 2036 program in Haryana.

“After Nadeem’s impressive throw, my second attempt was also good. But then, as they say, you need to keep both your passion and composure in check. That day, I lost my composure. I was too driven, too angry to succeed. In that rush, I overlooked some technical aspects,” he added.

While Neeraj Chopra couldn’t defend his Olympic gold in Paris, he made history as the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win two consecutive Olympic medals. After securing gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Chopra claimed silver in Paris.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem delivered an astonishing 92.97m throw in his second attempt, setting a record and leaving the competition, including Chopra, struggling to catch up. Neeraj, under pressure, managed only one valid throw — an impressive 89.45m in the second round, earning him the silver medal.

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