AFI plans to hold annual javelin throw competitions across India on August 7 to commemorate Neeraj Chopra’s iconic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics

AFI plans to hold annual javelin throw competitions across India on August 7 to commemorate Neeraj Chopra’s iconic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics

Neeraj Chopra

The Athletics Federation of India felicitated gold medalist Neeraj Chopra and the Indian athletics team which featured in the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. Although India managed only one medal, country’s first, in track and field events, Indian athletes put up an impressive show.

While the men’s 4x400m relay team smashed the Asian record, Avinash Sable rewrote the men’s steeplechase national record. On the other hand, Kamalpreet Kaur became only the second Indian woman to qualify for the final of the discus throw event.

But the stand out performer undoubtedly was Neeraj who bagged not only India’s but Asia’s first gold medal in men’s javelin throw. In order to commemorate the day, August 7, the AFI is planning to hold annual state-level javelin throw competitions. Lalit Bhanot, Chairman of the AFI Planning Committee announced the same at the felicitation ceremony.

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“Athletics Federation of India’s planning committee has decided to further promote javelin throwing and will hold competitions every year throughout the country on August 7 as Neeraj Chopra won the gold in Tokyo on this day,” Bhanot shared.

Neeraj Chopra receives a grand reception

Neeraj Chopra land in India
Neeraj lands in India

The heroes of the 32nd Olympic Games landed in India on Monday and they received a reception befitting their efforts and achievement. The New Delhi airport was filled with supporters awaiting a glimpse of their heroes. The athletes were welcomed by a Sports Authority of India (SAI) delegation headed by its Director-General Sandeep Pradhan, who was accompanied by the Athletics Federation of India head Adille Sumariwala.

While India returned with seven medals, Neeraj Chopra stole the spotlight with a historic gold medal on the penultimate day of the event. India’s first Olympic medalist in track and field events received the grandest of receptions at the Delhi airport. Chopra struggled to make his way to his car as thousands eagerly waited outside for a glimpse of the hero.

The gathered crowd were ecstatic as the athletes made their way through. People danced, sang and screamed their lungs out to show their appreciation for the medal winners. The athletes were presented with garlands and bouquets on arrival and were applauded by the airport staff as they made their way out to utter chaos into a sea of supporters.

Also Read: Which country won the most medals at Tokyo Olympics and who finished on top?