“There is a Diwali-like atmosphere in the village” - Neeraj Chopra’s father Satish after his son qualifies for men’s javelin throw final at Paris 2024
After the reigning Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra topped the Group B qualification round in the men's javelin throw event at Stade de France in Paris Olympics 2024, celebrations started at his household back in Panipat. Notably, Chopra achieved a throw of 89.34m, his season best, in his first attempt to qualify for the final.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters with 88.63m and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem with 86.59m took up second and third positions in Group B.
Neeraj Chopra’s father Satish Kumar stated that there is a Diwali-like atmosphere in their village after the ‘Golden Boy’ performed exceptionally well in the qualification round and advanced to the final.
"We are joyous. The country has hopes with Neeraj that he can win gold, everyone is praying for him. He has everyone's prayers and blessings with him. He made a place for himself in the final as people had expected of him. There is a Diwali-like atmosphere in the village today. People cheered for him and celebrated. He performed so well,” Satish Kumar told ANI.
“This is so joyous” - Neeraj Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi
Later, Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi also expressed excitement about watching her son in the final. The final is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 8, at 11:55 PM IST. A total of 12 athletes qualified for the final - six each from Group A and Group B.
"This is by God's grace. This is so joyous. We are all prepared (for the final match), we have installed a large screen in the hall and arranged chairs. All athletes are working hard, see who gets more fortunate. All athletes are doing well,” she stated.
Subsequently, Neeraj Chopra’s uncle Bhim Chopra disclosed that they had set up big screens for many people who flock in to witness the star javelin thrower in action.
In Group A, Julian Weber from Germany came out on top with a throw of 87.76m, emerging at the third spot in the overall rankings.
On the other hand, Chopra’s fellow Indian compatriot Kishore Jena bowed out of the qualification round after finishing with his best throw of 80.73m.