13 years since India’s previous gold medal, Neeraj Chopra, 23, “spearheaded” the country into its very first win in the track and field events category at Tokyo Olympics 2021. Given the global pandemic, and only with a handful of coaches and staff to cheer him, Neeraj coined history by bringing home the gold medallion as a result of genius athletic abilities in the Men’s Javelin Throw Finals.
To uphold the sportsman spirit and as a symbol of encouragement, Asia has announced 100 tokens as crypto rewards for every Olympic Gold Medalist on the continent.
The 100-year wait for India’s Olympic medal win in athletic events was over with a gigantic throw of 87.58m at this year’s Olympics event. Joining the rank of veterans like Abhinav Bindra, Neeraj’s win marks India’s second gold win at the Olympics. During the time of drafting this article, we are certain that every nook and corner of the world’s largest democracy knows Neeraj’s name. The much-deserved popularity and stardom is testimony to the country’s immense pride in the army subedar.
Neeraj Chopra is a Junior Commission Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army and hails from a small village in Haryana, India. What started out as a mere activity to get fit, resulted in Neeraj coining history as he took a liking to the sport. Post his placement in the Indian Army, Neeraj was selected by the Mission Olympics Wing, an initiative by the Indian army to train and prepare talented sportsmen in 11 disciplines to excel in international and national sports events. Previously, Neeraj had set a new Junior World Record at the World Under 20 Championship in Poland with a ranged throw of 86.48m post which he went on to win the Asian Championship in 2017 with a throw of 85.23m.
Neeraj’s genius was well sharpened as he started training under Germany’s legendary Uwe Hohn. His armor of gold shines with 2018’s Javelin throw wins with throws of 86.47m and 88.06m in the Commonwealth and Asian games respectively. Apart from major accomplishments in sports tournaments, Sub Neeraj has also been conferred the Arjuna Award and VSM in 2018 and 2020 , for his contribution and excellence in the field of athletics.
Neeraj sealed the gold medal a few meters short of his personal best of 88.07m. As a gesture of appreciation and recognition, CNX Asia awards 100 tokens as crypto rewards for Neeraj. At CNX, we are extremely proud of India’s golden athlete Neeraj Chopra and we join millions of proud Indian citizens and global athletes alike to extend our heartfelt congratulations.
