Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra overcame Grenada’s reigning world champion Anderson Peters for the second time in four days. He won the first gold medal of the season in the Javelin Throw event at the Kuortane Games in Finland late on Saturday, 18 June 2022. Twenty-four-year-old Neeraj won the medal with an effort of 86.69m. This victory will definitely boost his confidence ahead of the Diamond League to be held in Stockholm on 30 June. Neeraj Chopra had achieved this distance in his first attempt itself. His second and third attempts were fouls. After that he did not throw any more.
2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago finished second with 86.64m. And Anderson Peters finished third with a best effort of 84.75m. Neeraj Chopra had earlier won silver with an effort of 89.30m at the Pavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland.
Even before the start of the competition due to rain, conditions were looking difficult for the athletes. The track was flooded with water. This hindered the run-up. Oliver Helander, who won the gold medal at the Pavo Nurmi Games, decided to pull out at the last minute. Neeraj Chopra slipped in the follow-through on the runway after dropping the spear during his third throw and lost his balance. After that he was not ready to take any further risk.
Neeraj Chopra created a new national record and broke his own national record by throwing 89.30 meters of javelin at the Pavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland on June 14, 2022. However, then Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal, finishing second in that competition.
There is an influx of people congratulating Neeraj Chopra on winning the gold medal. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur wrote, ‘Gold for Neeraj! They’ve done it again, what an incredible champion! Kuortane threw a best throw of 86.69m in his first attempt at the Games and Neeraj Chopra took the top spot. He won the first gold medal of the season. magnificent.’
Former Indian cricket team player Harbhajan Singh wrote, ‘Another day, another gold! Well done champion Neeraj Chopra. Two-time Olympian, former captain of the Indian hockey team and Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh wrote, “Hearty congratulations Neeraj Chopra. Cuortane to win the gold medal at the Games with a throw of 86.69m. The whole country is proud of you. #Pick up India.’
BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda tweeted and said, ‘Heartiest congratulations Neeraj Chopra. Cuortane to win the gold medal at the Games with a throw of 86.69m. Your persistence and urge to win is an inspiration to all. Entire nation is proud of you. Sambit Patra wrote, ‘Another day, another medal. Neeraj Chopra won his first gold of the season with a throw of 86.69m at the Cuortane Games. Hearty congratulations to them. Keep winning, keep inspiring.