Neeraj Chopra qualifies for Olympics with throws of 87.86m on comeback
Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.86m at the Athletics Central North East meeting, returning to action after recovering from an elbow injury, here.
New Delhi: Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.86m at the Athletics Central North East meeting, returning to action after recovering from an elbow injury, here.
The 22-year-old Indian, who missed the entire 2019 season due to the injury, breached the Olympic qualification mark of 85m with his effort during the international event on Tuesday.
Also Read: 18th Asian Games- Neeraj Chopra named India's flag bearer
"I'm happy with the result as I went in to the competition with mindset to warm-up for the season. Once I did well with the first three throws (all being above 80m), I decided to push a bit harder in the fourth attempt," said Neeraj, the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
India's ace javelin thrower @Neeraj_chopra1 has qualified for #Tokyo2020. Neeraj threw 87.86m at the ACNW League Meet in South Africa and qualified for #Tokyo2020 after crossing benchmark of 85m. @KirenRijiju congratulates him on the qualification. pic.twitter.com/7CJZWqbfo4
Also Read | Javelin thrower Neeraj bags gold at Sotteville Athletics meet
— Kiren Rijiju Office (@RijijuOffice) January 29, 2020
Another Indian in fray, Rohit Yadav threw 77.61m.
Neeraj had missed the IAAF World Championships, the Diamond League and the Asian Championships while recovering from the injury.
Also Read: Junior sailors clinch 5 medals in Oman Sailing Championship
His last major international competition was the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games where he won gold with a national record of 88.06m.
The Indian had undergone a surgery in May 2019 to treat the injury. He was expected to compete at the National Championship late last year but the AFI didn't give him clearance, allowing him more time to heal.
Also Read |
18th Asian Games: Neeraj Chopra named India's flag bearer
A great come back from injury by @Neeraj_chopra1 and then qualifying for @Tokyo2020 Olympics is a great achievement! Determination, passion and strength made it possible to throw 87.86m much beyond the qualifying benchmark of 85m. Well done Neeraj! https://t.co/hec7mHR4Nz
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 29, 2020
National record holder KT Irfan had became the first Indian from athletics to qualify for the 2020 Olympics when he finished fourth in the 20km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan in March 2019.
India's mixed 4x400m relay team had also qualified for the Games after a top-eight finish at the Doha World Championships. (PTI)