Some 28 years ago, yours truly ended up watching the Olympics for the first time. It was a grand spectacle, with 197 countries participating in the event. But there was something that bothered the writer – For three times in a row, India hadn’t won a medal at Olympics. Worse, one had to end up reading depressing articles of Independent India’s dismal record in Track and Field events at the Olympics – No medals.
Yes, the legendary Milkha Singh, and the queen of athletics, PT Usha, had come very close to breaking the jinx in 1960 and 1984, respectively. Sriram Singh also put on a creditworthy show in 1976 by reaching the final. Despite those impressive performances, you felt a tinge of sadness that a country of around 1 billion (at that time) hadn’t won a medal in track and field at the Olympics.
It took more than 27,000 days for independent India to change this bleak history. August 7, 2021, turned out to be that red-letter day when Neeraj Chopra, born in Khandra village in Panipat district, clinched the glittering gold medal in javelin throw at Tokyo Olympics. It is very difficult to explain the kind of emotions one went through while watching Neeraj standing on the podium with a gold medal in his hands, and the national anthem being played in the background. But for a few minutes, let’s revisit that historic day.
On a lazy afternoon, far away in Dubai, it was time to watch some live action on TV. The live telecast was beamed through an US channel. So, the commentary wasn’t exactly to your liking. But there was no other choice. Neeraj had started on the right note, topping Group A with a fine throw of 86.65 metres. However, Johannes Vetter was the pre-tournament favourite, having passed the 90-metre mark seven times during that year. The lady commentator even indicated that the rest of the field would be likely battling out for bronze and silver. The reality turned out to be different.
Vetter’s best throw on that day was just 82.52 metres, while Neeraj’s first throw in the final itself was measured at 87.03 metres, putting him in provisional pole position. As the cameras zoomed in on Neeraj before his next throw, he looked very relaxed and gave a thumbs-up. Soon, it was his turn to hurl the javelin. The athletic Neeraj raced away towards the line and created a wide block and the javelin flew over a long distance.
For a while, it even seemed to be close to 90 metres. Ultimately, it was measured at 87.58. That particular throw also echoes in the mind for Neeraj’s roar as soon as it was released from his hand. He also pumped the air with his hands in delight. Neeraj knew it was a very good throw. There was still some anxiety when Jakub Vadlejch hurled the javelin on his fourth attempt. The first instinct was it felt like a fine throw and it could easily cross the 85-metre mark. There was a sigh of relief when you saw the leaderboard showing it as 86.67.
And then the golden moment arrived — Neeraj’s final throw. By then, it was a foregone conclusion that he would take home the gold. His final throw didn’t cross the 85-metre mark but that was just for academic interest. The commentator duly announced, “Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic Champion!” On expected lines, Neeraj was ecstatic. He also offered prayers to his God before hoisting the Tri-colour. Some three years later, yours truly still get goosebumps recalling those fond memories.
Neeraj’s great triumph also brought to an end India’s medal drought in the track and field events at the Olympics. Sadly, the great Milkha couldn’t witness the historic moment as he passed away on June 18, 2021. Meanwhile, Usha took to Twitter and posted, “Thank you my son.” Since then, the ever-consistent Neeraj has won everything, including World Championship gold and silver medals. The whole nation now waits with bated breath for Neeraj to be a double Olympic medallist. Hopefully, the colour of the medal will be yellow again.