Defending champion Neeraj Chopra, who captured the world’s attention with his gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, added another accolade to his name by winning a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. Despite a personal best of 89.45 meters, Chopra narrowly missed out on the gold, with his best throw coming in his second attempt. Four consecutive misses afterward dashed his hopes of retaining the top spot. Yet, the silver medal is a remarkable achievement, one that the nation celebrates with pride.
Success in sports is rarely achieved in isolation. For elite athletes like Neeraj Chopra, the journey to the Olympic podium is built on a foundation of unwavering support from family, coaches, and nutritionists. In Chopra’s case, his parents—father Satish Kumar and mother Saroj Devi—played a pivotal role in his rise to Olympic glory.
After his historic win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chopra’s first act upon returning to India was a heartwarming reunion with his parents at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. In a symbolic gesture of gratitude, he hung his Olympic gold medal around their necks, acknowledging their sacrifices and unyielding support throughout his journey.
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana. As the eldest of three siblings, with two younger sisters, Sangeeta and Sarita, Chopra’s early life was not without its challenges. His father, Satish Kumar, is a farmer with limited means, while his mother, Saroj Devi, is a homemaker.
As a child, Chopra struggled with obesity, weighing around 90 kilograms at the age of 11. Concerned for his health, his father enrolled him in a gym in the nearby town of Madlauda. However, Chopra found the experience unfulfilling, often relegated to using equipment others avoided and feeling out of place in the environment.
Recognizing his need for a different form of physical activity, his parents’ support led to a life-changing moment. During a visit to the Shivaji Stadium in Panipat with his father, Chopra was introduced to the sport of javelin throwing, which immediately captured his interest. Initially unenthusiastic about running, the sight of javelin throwers inspired him to pursue the sport seriously.
The financial demands of javelin training posed a significant challenge, but Satish Kumar made every effort to support his son’s ambitions. Despite the family’s limited financial resources, coming from an agricultural background, Satish Kumar’s determination to provide for Neeraj’s training and nutritional needs was unwavering. He understood the value of basic amenities and was driven by the belief that those with fewer resources often have the greatest motivation to achieve their dreams.
Living in a joint family of 19 members, including three uncles, Neeraj Chopra benefited from an extended support system. His entire household, along with the broader community of his village, rallied behind him, offering guidance, encouragement, and prayers for his success. “All of us in our family ensured that Neeraj got the right guidance to become a successful javelin thrower. Our village too supported him and prayed for his success,” recalls Satish Kumar.
A major turning point in Chopra’s life came in 2017 when he joined the Indian Army. The job provided financial stability, allowing Neeraj to focus on his training and education while also supporting his family. Chopra expressed his gratitude for the stability the Army job provided, as it alleviated much of the financial pressure on his family.
With his family’s unwavering support as the cornerstone of his success, Neeraj Chopra has continued to excel in his sport, making the nation proud and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
