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Neeraj Chopra's journey: From a chubby boy to Olympic Champion

India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has made the country proud on various occasions by winning medals at several international competitions. Let us take a look at his entire journey.
Avinash Sharma
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997 a farmer's family based in village Khandara in Panipat district of Haryana.
Humble origins
Neeraj was very chubby in his childhood and was bullied by other kids at school for being overweight. His uncle took him to stadium at the age of 13 and Neeraj's journey as athlete began.
Introduction to sport
Neeraj's father and uncle worked very hard to save every single penny to buy him a javelin.
Family's sacrifice
In school, his teacher asked Neeraj to try his hands at javelin and when he threw it travelled a good distance, leaving the teacher impressed.
Introduction to sport
Neeraj had found his aim and started practising javelin but his family couldn't afford to buy a javelin for him as it cost R 1.5 lakh.
Neeraj found his love
Neeraj Chopra is eldest amongst his 10 cousins in the family.
Eldest amongst siblings
Neeraj trained himself in javelin by watching videos on YouTube in his formative years.
Early days
Neeraj won a gold medal in U20 Junior World Championships in 2016 with a throw of 86.48m and created a world record.
Gold at U20
Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
CWG Gold
Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at Tokyo Games in 2021 and became first Indian athlete to win an individual gold in track and field at Olympics.
Olympic Gold
Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal at World Athletics Championships 2022 in Eugene USA and became second Indian athlete after Anju Bobby George to win a medal in the competition.
WC Silver
Neeraj Chopra has pulled out of Birmingham 2022 due to groin injury.
Misses CWG 2022