India Wins Silver in Javelin at Paris 2024 Olympics

Paris, August 9, 2024 – After a 13-day wait and their next-to-last event of the Paris Olympics 2024, India finally earned a medal besides bronze. Neeraj Chopra, the top name in Indian athletics, won a silver medal in the javelin throw. Although Chopra couldn’t defend his gold from Tokyo, his best throw of 89.45 meters, which was his only valid attempt of the day, was a season-best. This wasn’t enough to beat Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won gold with a throw of 92.97 meters, breaking the Olympic record.

End of the Medal Drought

After Swapnil Kusale won bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3-position final, India went six days without any medals. This streak ended on Thursday when Neeraj Chopra won silver and the men’s hockey team took their second consecutive bronze.

Neeraj Chopra’s Competition

Neeraj Chopra, only the second Indian male athlete to win multiple Olympic medals after wrestler Sushil Kumar, was expected to do well at the Paris Games. However, he faced tough competition from athletes like Julian Weber, Anderson Peters, and Arshad Nadeem. The event started with unexpected issues as Chopra, Nadeem, and Weber all fouled their first attempts.

How the Competition Went

Arshad Nadeem initially struggled but then made a strong throw over 90 meters, putting pressure on Chopra. Neeraj managed a valid throw on his second attempt but had another foul on his third.

After three rounds, four athletes were out, and Chopra was up against tough rivals like Jakub Vadlejch, Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, and Julian Weber.

Final Rounds

In the fourth round, Peters took the lead with a throw of 88.54 meters, moving Vadlejch down. Chopra tried to improve but fouled again. Nadeem’s throw of 79.40 meters, despite being lower, kept him in first place, with Chopra still in second.

In the fifth round, Lassi Etelatalo and Keshorn Walcott couldn’t improve their standings. Weber’s 87.40 meters throw was better but not enough for a top-three finish. Yego threw 83.20 meters, keeping him in fourth place, while Peters’ 87.38 meters kept him in third.

The Final Throws

In the fifth round, Chopra fouled again under pressure. Nadeem’s 84.87 meters throw solidified his lead heading into the final round. With only one throw left for each competitor, the final positions were set.

Etelatalo and Walcott’s final throws didn’t change their places. Weber’s last throw fell short, putting him in sixth. Yego finished fifth with 87.72 meters. Vadlejch couldn’t beat 85 meters, which confirmed Chopra’s silver medal.

Also read: PR Sreejesh's Final Game for Indian Hockey

Chopra’s Last Chance

Chopra fouled on his final attempt, confirming his silver medal. Nadeem, already assured of gold before his final throw, celebrated with a huge throw of 91.79 meters.