World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra wins historic gold medal for India; Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem settles for silver
Neeraj Chopra scripted history on Monday by becoming the first Indian to win gold medal in World Athletics Championships with 88.17 meter throw in second attempt, which was his best and kept him at the top.
Chopra won Olympic gold in Tokyo but managed only a silver at the worlds in Eugene last year. The only other Indian to win a medal at the worlds was Anju Bobby George, who took bronze in the women's long jump in 2003 in Paris.
Chopra soared into the lead on his second attempt with an 88.17 metre effort, with the 25-year-old turning his back and celebrating in trademark fashion with his arms aloft immediately after his throw, knowing it was good.
Pakistan's Nadeem, coming back from elbow surgery and a knee injury, produced his season's best effort of 87.82 on his third attempt to win the silver medal, while the Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch took the bronze with 86.67.
The reigning Olympic champion had qualified for the final with a throw of 88.77 in only his first attempt on Friday.
