August 7, 2021 will forever be etched in our minds as Neeraj Chopra won the Men's Javelin Gold in Olympics and inspired every citizen of the country. He is the new poster boy of Indian sports after making history at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lalit Bhanot, the Chairman of Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) Planning Committee, on Tuesday said they will stage javelin throwing competitions every year on August 7.

#JavelinThrow @afiindia to stage #Javelin competition every year on August 7 to honour @Neeraj_chopra1

On August 7, #NeerajChopra became the first athlete from the country to win a gold in track and field in the @Olympics

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“Athletics Federation of India's planning committee has decided to further promote javelin throwing and will hold competitions every year throughout the country on August 7 as Neeraj Chopra won the gold in Tokyo on this day," Bhanot said in a felicitation program organized for Neeraj Chopra by the AFI.

Neeraj must be more than happy that finally, Javelin as a sport, has also gotten the much-needed recognition and many more youngsters will try the sport now.

In the felicitation ceremony, Neeraj was asked about his big achievement and he said, “This gold medal is not only mine but also belongs to India. I didn't eat and sleep well after winning the gold medal. The competition was very tough at the Olympics. After qualification, I realized this is the best opportunity of my life and I'll not lose it.”

He also added, “I just want to say, no matter who the opposition is, give your best. That is all you need to do and this is what this gold medal stands for. Never fear the opposition.”

Neeraj became only the second individual Olympic champion from independent India. He ended India’s 13-year-long wait for the national anthem at the medal ceremony in the Olympics.

For making it big in Olympics, he even chopped off his long hair. Talking about it, said, “I like long hair but I was getting irritated by the heat, long hair causes a lot of sweating. So I got a haircut. I have kept long hair since I was 9-10 years old, but of late, it started to bug me. In a couple of competitions, it was causing me to sweat, and it was dripping onto my eyes. I tried using a hairband also, but it would fall off.”

“So I thought that it’s the Olympics, style baad mei ho jaayega, game pehle (style can come later, the game comes first),” he added.

We are proud of you, Neeraj.

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