Neeraj Chopra established a benchmark for Indian athletics in 2016 by securing a gold medal at the World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. His performance that day, featuring a world record-setting throw of 86.48 metres, marked the first time an Indian athlete achieved a world record in any track and field discipline.
Formative Years in Haryana
Born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district, Chopra was raised in a Haryanvi Ror farming family. Encouraged by his parents, Satish and Saroj Devi, he began his physical training at a local gym to manage obesity. While frequenting the facility, he observed javelin throwers at the Shivaji Stadium, which prompted him to transition into the sport. In 2010, he began training under Jaiveer Singh at the Sports Authority of India centre in Panipat, later relocating to the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula to access a synthetic runway.
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Chopra gained international notice in 2014 by winning a silver medal at the Youth Olympics Qualification in Bangkok. The following year, he cleared 80 metres for the first time with a throw of 81.04 metres. In 2016, his trajectory shifted after moving to the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala, where he gained access to superior facilities and nutrition. Following a personal best of 82.23 metres at the South Asian Games in Guwahati, he joined the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Naib Subedar.
Global Dominance and Milestones
Chopra became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal in athletics during the 2020 Summer Olympics. He continued his progression by winning the 2023 World Championships, marking the first time an Asian javelin thrower claimed that title. Between June 2021 and September 2025, he maintained a streak of finishing in the top two positions across 26 consecutive international tournaments. His career has been recognized with the Arjuna Award in 2018, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the Padma Shri in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 December 1997, Khandra, India
- Sport: Javelin throw
- 2016 World U20 record: 86.48 m
- Spouse: Himani Mor (married January 2025)
- Military Rank: Naib Subedar, Rajputana Rifles
- Languages spoken: Haryanvi
Questions readers ask
What major honours has Neeraj Chopra received?
He has been awarded the Arjuna Award (2018), the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021), and the Padma Shri (2022).
Which international records does he hold?
He set the world U20 record of 86.48 m in 2016 and is the first Asian javelin thrower to win Olympic and World Championship gold medals.
Achievements
- Competed at 2017 Asian Athletics Championships, 2018 Asian Games and athletics at the 2020 Summer Olympics – men's javelin throw
- Discipline: athletics
