LPU’s bachelor of arts’ student and India's ace athlete Neeraj Chopra has created history yet again as he became the first athlete from the country to win a gold medal at Lausanne Diamond League, Switzerland.The 24-year old javelin thrower, who pulled out of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games due to injury, but later won silver medal at the World Championships in the USA last month, made a stunning comeback with an impressive 89.08 m throw in his first attempt to clinch the title in style.
He registered three valid throws (85.18 in second and 80.04 in sixth) after passing his third and fifth attempts in the event.Ending the wait of several years, Neeraj has scripted history once again after winning a historic Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Jubilant LPU bestowed a cash prize of Rs 50 Lakh on him, and also named one of the roads at the campus in his name as “Neeraj Marg”.
After the win Neeraj said, “This win is very important for our country. I feel we shouldn’t be only focusing on the events that happen after two or four years. Competitions like the Diamond League meet are good opportunities for athletes. It really helps to prepare well for the major tournaments because world-class athletes participate here.”
By virtue of this win, Neeraj has qualified for the Diamond League finals, which will be held in Zurich next month. Chopra also qualified for the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, HungaryWhile congratulating the ace athlete of the country and the university, LPU Chancellor Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal described the win as a glorious moment. Dr Mittal invoked him to keep on glorifying the country with his incomparable skills. He also shared: “Neeraj has made all of us proud by listing himself as the first athlete to win a gold medal for the country in Lausanne Diamond League.”