Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra found himself embroiled in a controversy when the incident, which occurred during Neeraj's javelin throw event, raised questions about fair play, sportsmanship and the integrity of the competition.
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra claimed the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Asian Games 2023, while Kishore Jena bagged the silver despite the controversy surrounding the final throw. Chopra recorded his season-best throw of 88.88 metres even though his first attempt was not counted due to a technical glitch.
The controversy began with Chopra's first attempt, a throw that seemed to land near the 85m mark. However, a technical glitch on the part of the officials led to the measurement not being recorded. After a lengthy discussion, Neeraj Chopra was asked to take a second attempt. This also led to a significant delay at the start of the men’s javelin final event.
Despite the disruption, Neeraj Chopra showed remarkable composure and delivered a throw of 82.38m. Continuing with impressive throws of 84.49m and a remarkable 88.88m (season's best) he ensured the gold medal.
What does Neeraj Chopra have to say about this?
Neeraj, while speaking with the media, stated, “Happened with Jyothi too. And with me and Jena too. Gadbad toh hai (This is wrong). But, our results spoke for themselves. Despite everything, our hard work paid off. Our team should definitely look into why so many things have gone wrong. I haven’t seen this in big competitions because, after a disruption to the first throw, it could have thrown me off balance. We saw how Jyothi had to fight.”
Kishore Jena also faced problems at the men’s javelin final event
Kishore Jena’s second throw was red-flagged for allegedly crossing the throwing line. However, Neeraj Chopra intervened and asked Jena to raise an objection to the decision. After Jena sought a review, officials checked the footage, and Kishore’s throw was deemed valid, allowing him to secure the silver medal with a personal best of 87.54m.
AFI to lodge a protest
Former athlete and current vice president of the Athletics Federation of India Anju Bobby George called out the goof up on the part of the officials at the Asian Games 2023.
“It's not only with Neeraj. The first day, it happened with our walkers, the second day it happened with our Jyothi. And yesterday it happened with our javelin thrower, Annu Rani, again. Today, it happened with Jena and Neeraj. I think they are purposefully doing this. And I am deeply saddened to see such incidents happening in the Asian Games,” she told media, Sportskeeda reported.
According to a Times of India report, Anju Bobby George said that India would lodge a protest against the officials involved in the controversy.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Lok Sabha Election 2024: What rural Delhi wants
May 16, 2024 10:10 PM
Over 50 onion farmers detained in Nashik ahead of PM Modi's visit
May 16, 2024 11:14 AM
Why Google CEO is cautiously optimistic about the election year
May 16, 2024 9:51 AM
Mark Mobius reveals how markets will react if NDA wins 400+ Lok Sabha seats
May 15, 2024 8:09 PM