NEW DELHI: A historic achievement unfolded on Friday as Indian javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra, DP Manu, and Kishore Jena scripted a remarkable chapter by all qualifying for the final of the World Championships. Their exceptional performances during the qualification round not only secured their spots in the prestigious final but also marked a significant milestone for Indian athletics.
"For the first time three Indians have qualified for the final round of an event in World Championships. It has never happened before. It's a historic day for Indian javelin," a team coach in the Indian contingent told PTI.
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, showcased his prowess with a spectacular first-attempt throw of 88.77m. This single throw not only assured his place in the final but also easily surpassed the Paris Olympics qualifying mark of 85.50m. With his automatic qualification secured, Chopra wisely chose to conserve his energy for the final showdown scheduled for Sunday.
DP Manu demonstrated his mettle with a best throw of 81.31m, securing a commendable third position in the qualification round and a solid sixth position overall. Kishore Jena, who faced initial visa challenges, overcame the odds to secure the fifth spot in Group B and an impressive ninth position overall with a throw of 80.55m, making his debut in the World Championships.
Reflecting on his performance, Neeraj Chopra shared, "During the warm-up I felt the power and knew I could make it with only one throw. It felt great releasing the javelin and the result was very satisfying. I was able to save energy for the final since I threw with only 90 per cent effort. I will definitely give everything in the final as I would like to have a world gold as well (as one from the Olympic Games)."
The triumphant qualification of all three Indian athletes underscores the nation's growing presence and excellence in the world of javelin throwing. With their collective achievements, Indian sports enthusiasts have even more reason to celebrate, as the trio's success opens new avenues for the country on the international stage.
(With inputs from PTI)
