At the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj threw 87.58m to win the Gold medal.
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Tokyo Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, is reportedly suffering from a high fever. Upon being tested for the coronavirus, the javelin thrower tested negative. Speaking to ANI, sources close to Neeraj said he has a sore throat, and he is currently down with fever.
“Neeraj is down with a high fever, has a sore throat, and the fever refuses to subside. But fortunately, he has tested negative for COVID-19. He is currently resting,” said the source.
As per IANS, a person in contact who knows about the situation said Neeraj Chopra said, “His temperature was 103 till yesterday. But he is getting better now. His (Covid) report also came negative. The doctor has advised him to rest. He had a hectic schedule and that is the reason he fell ill.”
“Neeraj might attend the function at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening. He will come there directly. Rest (all the other) players are currently at the Ashoka Hotel,” he added.
Neeraj started off proceedings with a sensational throw, having been second on the start list. The 23-year-old’s throw of 87.03m, was longer than every finalist barring Johannes Vetter this season. However, Vetter failed to register a fine attempt, handing the Indian a significant advantage. Neeraj followed up his opening throw with an outstanding effort of 87.58m which ultimately emerged as the winning throw. The second throw was a disaster for almost every athlete barring the Indian, with Vetter among those who slipped with the javelin going out of bounds.
While Neeraj could not emulate his heroics from the second throw in the remaining attempts, Vetter failed to make it to the final eight. This handed the Indian a massive boost, which ultimately proved just enough.
Neeraj qualified for the final of the men’s javelin throw event after his first attempt. The 23-year-old who was placed in Group A of the qualifiers made the final with a massive throw of 86.65m. It is worth noting that the qualifying mark is 83m. Thus, he passed the qualifying mark by a good 3m. The first throw being enough to secure qualification, he thus did not attempt a second and third throw after that. In fact, he left the stadium with his coaches right after the first round itself.
This was Neeraj’s first appearance at the Olympics and it is safe to say he nailed it. The 23-year-old further became the first Indian to make it to the final of the javelin throw event.
