NEW DELHI: In a major career milestone, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on Monday claimed world number one ranking in men’s javelin for the first time ever.
With a total of 1455 points, Neeraj became the new No.1 javelin thrower, surpassing the reigning world champion from Grenada, Anderson Peters, who held the second position with 1433 points.
Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic was third with 1416 points.
The 25-year-old Chopra rose to world number two on August 30 last year but was stuck behind Peters since then.
In September last year, Neeraj Chopra won the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious trophy.
He won the title at the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 5 with a throw of 88.67m.
He will next compete at the FBK Games on June 4 in the Netherlands, followed by the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, on June 13.
Earlier, while taking part in the Diamond League in Zurich, he once again showcased his prowess after throwing 89.63 meters.
“It was a very hard win, but I’m happy, It’s a really good start for me. I hope to come in the first place in the next competitions and to keep consistent during this season,” Chopra told the media.
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded Neeraj Chopra for reaching the first position in Doha’s 2023 Wanda Diamond League. Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic finished second with a throw of 88.63m, while Reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada finished third with a throw of 85.88m.
PM Modi tweeted, “First event of the year and first position! With the World lead throw of 88.67m, @Neeraj_chopra1 shines at the Doha Diamond League. Congratulations to him! Best wishes for the endeavours ahead.”
