Tricity cheers as India’s gold drought ends
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 7
As javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won an elusive gold at the Tokyo Olympics to end India’s 100-year old medal draught in athletics (track and field), the sports enthusiasts across tricity erupted in joy.
Golden words
“Kuch bada karna hai toh uskay liye mehnat karni padegi (I will have to work hard to achieve something big),” Neeraj had told The Tribune in 2015 when he was asked about traveling from Panipat to Chandigarh and Panchkula for practice. He just had one aim: “100m achieve karna hai, par bahut mehant lagegi. Bhagwan aur apka saath raha toh pakka hoga. Thoda time lagega… (I want to achieve 100m mark. But I will have to work hard. With God’s blessings and your support, it would happen. It will take some time).”
India has now won two individual gold medals in the Olympics, and incidentally, both the athletes have a deep connect to the city, giving the residents all the more reasons to celebrate their success.
Thirteen years after Chandigarh shooter Abhinav Bindra had brought India its first individual gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Neeraj, who spent his formative years in the city, topped the podium in Tokyo with a throw of 87.58m.
On his way to creating history, Neeraj also fulfilled one of the last wishes of former India sprinter Milkha Singh, who wished to see the country win an Olympic medal in athletics.
Neeraj started his sporting career training under coach Naseem Ahmed at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula from 2011-15. Later, athletics coach Ravinder Chaudhry, who is also the secretary general of the Athletics Federation of India, brought him to Chandigarh.
Neeraj pursued his BA (first year) from DAV College, Sector 10, in 2014-15 and gave a glimpse of his talent during the inter-college championship. He later represented Panjab University in the All India Inter-University competition in Patiala, where he created a new meet record. After his stupendous effort, the budding javelin thrower joined the Indian Army ranks as a Subedar and honed his skills at the Army Sports Institute. However, he never forgot his relation with Chandigarh, his alma mater, and the local media.
“I never imagined him playing in the Olympics… and gold medal was not even in the wildest of my dreams. It is the result of his sheer hard work and dedication towards his goal,” said an elated Naseem Ahmed.
“He was happy with the conditions (in Tokyo). The only worry for him was the wind. By God’s grace, he performed well,” Ahmed added.
Recalling his association with Neeraj, the coach said: “Back in 2011, he was a normal boy, who used to come here for training. However, with the passage of time, he displayed immense grit and desire to succeed.”
“He was keen on achieving the best and today was the day,” said Ahmed. “He got right kind of facilities and exposure to see this day. During his stay here, he made many friends and whenever he visits the city, he makes sure to spend time with all of us.” Meanwhile, Ravinder Chaudhry defined Neeraj as a determined young boy who was living to win the Olympic medal for his country. “He won’t sleep tonight. For the past three years, he was living for this day,” said Chaudhary. “Last night, he promised me that he would give his best and he did it. He was very confident.”
Jeev thanks Neeraj
While the entire country celebrated Chopra’s feat, there’s one man for whom his achievement was really special. Jeev Milkha Singh, while talking to The Tribune team said “it is a dream come true”. “Dad will be crying in joy. His dream has come true,” said Jeev.
“Not only did he win us the first ever athletics gold medal in the Olympics, he dedicated it to my father. The Milkha family is grateful for this honour. Dad waited for this moment for so many years,” added the celebrated golfer.
SK Joshi, former athletics coach, UT Sports Department, also expressed his joy at Neeraj’s superlative effort.
“He used to practice at various places. Sometimes, he would come to Sector 7. The arena between the athletics track used to be empty. He used to practice here alone. I just wish Milkha could have lived for few more days to see this moment. I am really happy to see this lad bring glory to the country,” said Joshi.
