Tokyo Olympics Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra nominated for Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. Only the 2nd Indian to win a gold medal for the country in individual events in Olympics, Neeraj had ended the country’s 100-year wait for a medal in track and field events at Tokyo Olympics.
The 24-year-old has been bestowed with multiple awards since his historic performance at the global event and is now in line to be honoured with the elite honour. Neeraj is the 3rd Indian after Sachin Tendulkar and Vinesh Phogat to be nominated for the award.
Emma Raducanu, Daniil Medvedev, Pedri, Yulimar Rojas and Ariarne Titmus are other sportspersons who will be vying for the award. “A special feeling to be nominated along with some exceptional athletes for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award. Congratulations to @DaniilMedwed, @pedri, @EmmaRaducanu, @TeamRojas45 and Ariarne Titmus on their nominations. #Laureus22,” Neeraj wrote on Twitter after the nomination.
The last Indian to compete at Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj created history on the penultimate day of the event and came up with the best throw of 87.58m in his 2nd attempt to win the gold medal. His first throw of 87.03m would also have been enough to confirm a top spot finish.
The youngster had come up with a throw of 86.59m to finish at the top spot in the qualifying round. He was considered to be a top medal contender after the qualifying round and lived up to the expectations. The country has high hopes from him in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2022.
The Indian contingent had its best-ever at the global event and returned home with 7 medals. Boxers Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain, Shuttler PV Sindhu, wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya and the Indian men’s hockey team also made the country proud in Tokyo.
