Celebrations at Neeraj’s village

Tribune News Service

Panipat, August 27

Khandra village in the district burst into celebrations soon after its son and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal at the Asian Games-2018 on Monday.

He also shattered his own national record (87.43 m) by clearing a distance of 88.06 m.

Neeraj’s parents and kin had arranged a special TV for the hall (baithak), where scores of villagers gathered to watch his match.

As Neeraj threw his golden throw of 88.06 m, villagers hugged and congratulated each other. His parents Satish and Saroj Devi distributed sweets and ladoos to the villagers.

Bhim Chopra, uncle of Neeraj, said it was indeed a proud moment for the family as Neeraj had become the first-ever Indian javelin thrower to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.

He had earlier won the title with a throw of 86.48 m, creating a world record, in the Junior World Championship in Poland in 2016, he added.

His father Satish Kumar said they had a joint family of 17. Neeraj was their eldest son. During his gym sessions in Panipat, Neeraj started visiting Shivaji Stadium. It was there that he came in contact with javelin thrower Jaiveer from Binjhol.

His uncle said on Jaiveer’s suggestion, Neeraj started participating in the event. He had won nearly 30 national and international medals in the last five-six years, said Surender, uncle of Neeraj.

Neeraj’s grandfather Dharam Singh said Neeraj has brought laurels to the country and made the village and his family proud.

Neeraj’s two younger sisters, Sangeeta and Sarita, were also happy at their brother’s achievement.