Paris Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra adds silver medal to India's tally

Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra won the first silver medal for India at the Paris Olympics, breaking a rut of bronze medals on Thursday (August 07). Despite the silver, Chopra, the strongest by far in qualifying and favorite to retain his title, struggled in the Olympic men's javelin final. His throw of 89.45, which won him the silver medal, was his only valid effort as he fouled on his five other attempts.

"Aside from the medal, it is time to improve my throw, tend to my injuries, and improve on weaker areas," said Chopra. Chopra, who has more than nine million Instagram followers, has had a huge impact in raising the profile of athletics in India. India's prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted after Chopra's silver win: "Neeraj Chopra is excellence personified! Time and again he's shown his brilliance. 

India is elated that he comes back with yet another Olympic success. "Arshad Nadeem won the gold after beating defending champion Chopra to clinch Pakistan's first Olympic medal in athletics. Neeraj after winning India's first Paris Olympics Silver medal said: "It is always a great feeling winning a medal for the country. But personally, aside from the medal, it is time to improve my throw, tend to my injuries, and improve on weaker areas, I will sit and discuss this with my team". Overall, India's performance has been good at the Paris Olympics.