NEW DELHI: Star India javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra's gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics was in many ways the biggest tribute to legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh. In the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha Singh had missed a bronze medal in the men's 400m race by 0.1 seconds. Neeraj's gold in the Olympics last year was the first time an Indian had won an Olympic medal in athletics post independence. And it was the top prize. The gold medal also made Neeraj only the second Indian sports person to win an individual Olympic gold medal, after shooter Abhinav Bindra. It was a monumental occasion for Indian athletics.
On August 7 this year, on the first anniversary of Neeraj's historic gold medal finish at the Japan National Stadium when he sealed the deal with a majestic throw of 87.58m, the first National Javelin Day was celebrated in the country.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had earlier announced that from now on August 7 will be commemorated as National Javelin Day. According to AFI President Adille J Sumariwalla, this step has been taken to promote the sport at the grassroots level to encourage more and more kids to take up javelin, with Neeraj as their shining idol.
As many as 32 State and Union Territory units affiliated to the AFI organised Javelin competitions on August 7. The competitions were held in various categories like, U-14, U-16, U-18, U-20 and Men's.
The U-14 category of the Delhi State competition was won by 13-year-old Taksh Lohiya.
(Photo: Special Arrangement)
Taksh threw the javelin to a distance of 32.71m to claim the top honours. He later spoke to TimesofIndia.com about the experience and of course the whole country's javelin idol, Neeraj Chopra.
"I worked really hard for this gold medal. When I won it, I was so happy. My gold is a tribute to Neeraj bhaiya who gave India a gold medal in athletics and javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics. It took 125 years for an Indian to win an Olympic medal in athletics and Neeraj bhaiya created history by giving India an elusive gold" Taksh told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
"AFI has given a big platform to all of us. I was determined to do well, so that I could say thank you to Neeraj bhaiya. He is an inspiration for me," Taksh further said.
Last year, Taksh underwent knee surgery. The comeback was a difficult one for him, but he was determined to perform.
"I was feeling good in the tournament. There was no trouble at all. I just wanted to go there and give my best. My parents supported me throughout and they encouraged me a lot. I learn a lot from my father," Taksh further told TimesofIndia.com.
An olympic medal goes a long way in encouraging youngsters to take up a certain sport and Neeraj Chopra's incredible feat of becoming the first ever Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics has made him the idol of countless kids. The overall popularity of javelin throw as a sport has got a tremendous shot in the arm, thanks to Neeraj's Olympic gold. His recent historic silver medal at the Athletics World Championships further added to the legend of Neeraj and of javelin throw in the country.
"Whenever I meet Neeraj bhaiya I will show this gold medal to him," an elated Taksh told TimesofIndia.com.
Sport runs in Taksh's family. His father, Naval Singh, is an athletics coach and a Dronacharya awardee.
"My father has taught me a lot of things. He taught me to be disciplined, grounded, and to work hard. These are the things that drive me forward," Taksh signed off.
