This is country’s medal, says Neeraj Chopra

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 9

“Ye medal mera nahi hai, ye desh ka medal hai (This is not my medal, this is our country’s medal,” said Neeraj Chopra, who ended India’s long wait for an athletics medal at the Olympics with a gold medal in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Games.

India’s Olympics heroes, including Chopra, silver medallist Ravi Dahiya and bronze medal winners Bajrang Punia, Lovlina Borgohain and the men’s hockey team, were given a red carpet welcome as thousands poured in to catch a glimpse of the athletes at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The Indian athletes returned from the Tokyo Olympics with the best-ever haul of seven medals for the country.

‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ rang loud and clear as many of the stars were led to the Ashoka Hotel for the felicitation ceremony organised by the Sports Ministry on Monday evening. Bajrang and Ravi were atop their SUVs waving to the fans.

“I have been roaming with this medal in my pocket ever since that day,” Chopra said at the felicitation function. “I haven’t slept or eaten much since then but one look at the medal puts me at ease and then I tell myself ‘all is good’,” he added.

Before the function, Chopra presented the medal to his mother Saroj Devi and his father Satish in a symbolic gesture to honour his parents.

“Most of these athletes gathered here today are from middle class families, and the family members’ backing is the most important thing in our lives,” Chopra, a Subedar in the Indian Army, said.

“If the family says ‘just go and play, we will look after the expenses’, it gives you the strength to pursue your dream and succeed,” he added.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and several top officials of the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India were present at the function.

“Tokyo for several reasons had many firsts for our country,” Thakur said. “We sent our biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo. We returned with the best-ever haul of seven medals. The 121-year wait for a medal in athletics was ended by Neeraj Chopra. Neeraj you made 135 crore Indians proud,” he added.

“Manpreet (Singh) you and your team ended a 41-year wait for a medal in hockey. You guys have also inspired the next generation to dream big. All of you are the heroes of new India,” he added.

Wrestler Bajrang was the first of the medal winners to be felicitated with a shawl and a memento, followed by boxer Lovlina. “The welcome we have received today has inspired me to win again next time. I want to thank everyone who has given us so much love today,” Bajrang said.

The Ministry also asked the women’s hockey team to cut a cake to celebrate the team’s performance at the Tokyo Games. The team led by Rani Rampal finished a creditable fourth, its highest-ever finish in the Olympics.