Neeraj Chopra: From Village to Olympic Glory
Neeraj Chopra, the Indian javelin thrower, cemented his place in athletics history by successfully defending his gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a record throw of 89.12 meters at the 2024 Paris Games. Born in 1997 in Panipat, Haryana, Chopra’s remarkable journey from a small village to global fame underscores his talent and dedication, making him a celebrated national icon.
Career Highlights:
- Paris 2024 Olympics: Defended his gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 89.12 meters.
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Won gold with a throw of 87.58 meters, becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to win an Olympic gold.
- Asian Games 2018: Gold medalist.
- Commonwealth Games 2018: Gold medalist.
- World Athletics Championships 2023: Gold medalist with a throw of 88.17 meters.
Early Life and Background:
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra Village, Panipat, Haryana. Growing up in a farming family, his early life was marked by a commitment to improve his fitness, which began after overcoming obesity. His father’s support led him to gyms in Madlauda and Panipat, setting the stage for his athletic career.
Chopra’s talent for javelin throwing was first noticed by Jaiveer Choudhary at the Panipat Sports Authority, who became his mentor. His impressive performance at the South Asian Games earned him a position as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Rajputana Rifles, where he holds the rank of Naib Subedar. Training under renowned Coach Uwe Hohn, Chopra has achieved a world number-one ranking in javelin throw.
Personal Details:
- Age: 26 years old
- Date of Birth: December 24, 1997
- Height: 178 cm (approximately 5 feet 11 inches)
- Weight: 86 kilograms
- Physical Build: Athletic
Family Background:
Neeraj Chopra’s family includes his father, Satish Kumar Chopra, a farmer, and his mother, Saroj Devi, who manages the household. As the only son among his two sisters, his family’s support has been crucial in his rise to international fame.
Education:
Chopra completed his primary and secondary education in Khandra Village. Despite limited resources, his family ensured he had a strong foundation for his future. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, Punjab, balancing his academic and athletic commitments.
Net Worth and Earnings:
As of 2024, Neeraj Chopra’s net worth is estimated at $4.5 million (approximately Rs 37 crore). His earnings from match fees and brand endorsements contribute to a monthly salary exceeding Rs 30 lakh and an annual income surpassing Rs 4 crore.
Notable Achievements:
| Year | Event | Location | Throw Distance | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | World Athletics Championships | Budapest | 88.17 meters | Gold |
| 2021 | Tokyo Summer Olympics | Tokyo | 87.58 meters | Gold |
| 2018 | Asian Games | Jakarta | 88.06 meters | Gold |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games | Australia | 86.47 meters | Gold |
| 2018 | Savo Games | Finland | 85.6 meters | Gold |
| 2018 | Sotteville Athletics Meet | France | 85.17 meters | Gold |
| 2016 | World U20 Championships | Poland | 86.48 meters | Gold |
Neeraj Chopra’s extraordinary achievements and continued excellence highlight his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment, making him one of the greatest javelin throwers in history.