National Javelin Throw Day receives thumbs up from sports enthusiasts

NEW DELHI: While javelin throw might not be a popular track and field sport in the country, Neeraj Chopra's gold medal-winning feat at the Tokyo Olympics and the Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) decision to celebrate August 7 each year as "National Javelin Throw Day" has received a big thumbs up from sports enthusiasts across the country.

Fans on social media termed AFI decision "ground breaking", while others said "this will help our young generation to achieve more".

"Brilliant... Hope they (AFI) make it a big event every year with Javelin competition across the country. Will be truly ground breaking," tweeted a fan, while another wrote, "Good move everyone must support... this will help our young he generation to achieve more."

On Monday, during a felicitation ceremony for Chopra, AFI had announced that August 7 each year would be celebrated as the "National Javelin Throw Day" with competitions in all states and union territories to commemorate the athlete's feat of winning the country's first athletics gold medal at the Olympic Games with a throw of 87.58m.

"We will celebrate August 7 as National Javelin Day from next year to mark Neeraj's victory. All our affiliated units will hold Javelin competitions in the respective States (and Union Territories). And a year later, we will get all our 600-plus district units also to have similar competitions on August7," AFI Planning Committee chairman Lalit Bhanot had said at the function on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Chopra had said he was humbled by the announcement. "I am feeling good that the AFI is making my achievement to be remembered in the years to come. I will be happier if my gold medal win inspires youngsters to take to athletics, especially javelin throw," he said.

"If the children are getting the Javelins and other facilities, I am sure they will come and take up the sport. I will be happy to cheer for them and they can be medal winners in the future," Chopra said. (IANS)

Also Read: Social Media Puns Olympic Medallist Neeraj Chopra, Video Of South Superstar Chiranjeevi Throwing Javelin Goes Viral

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