Neeraj Chopra Claims Silver at Paris 2024 Olympics, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem Wins Gold with Record Throw

In a highly anticipated javelin throw final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending Olympic champion, secured a silver medal with a best throw of 89.45 meters. Chopra’s performance, though commendable, was overshadowed by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who clinched the gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters.

The event was charged with intensity, given the historic rivalry between the two athletes and their respective countries. Chopra, who had brought India its first-ever athletics gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was aiming to defend his title. However, after an initial foul, Chopra managed to register his season-best throw in his second attempt. Despite this effort, Nadeem’s second attempt saw him shatter the Olympic record, previously held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen since the 2008 Beijing Games.

Nadeem’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it is the country’s first Olympic gold in athletics and the first Olympic medal since 1992. His throw not only secured the top spot on the podium but also set a new personal and Asian record. Nadeem’s consistent performance throughout the competition, with multiple throws over 88 meters, demonstrated his dominance in the event.

For Chopra, the silver medal adds to his growing list of accolades and further cements his status as one of India’s most successful athletes. With this achievement, he becomes the third Indian to win two individual Olympic medals, joining an elite group of Indian Olympians. However, Chopra’s evening was marred by four fouls out of his six attempts, reflecting the pressure and challenges he faced in defending his title.

The bronze medal was claimed by Anderson Peters of Grenada, who narrowly outperformed Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia with a throw of 88.54 meters.

This javelin throw final will be remembered not just for the intense competition but also for the historic performances by both Chopra and Nadeem, who have set a new standard for the sport in South Asia and beyond.