Bollywood celebrates Neeraj Chopra for Tokyo Olympic Gold

MUMBAI: As star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Saturday created history by becoming the second Indian to win individual gold at Olympics, Hindi film personalities Lata Mangeshkar, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Taapsee Pannu and others praised the young athlete for making the country “proud.”

The 23-year-old farmer’s son from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana produced a second-round throw of 87.58m in the finals to end India’s 100-year wait for a track and field medal in the Olympics.

Chopra won the country’s seventh medal and first gold at Tokyo Olympics and joined shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008 Beijing Games) as India’s individual gold winner in the showpiece.

“It’s a GOLD. Heartiest Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on creating history. You’re responsible for a billion tears of joy! Well done #NeerajChopra! #Tokyo2020,” Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter.

Mangeshkar called Chopra “the pride of the country”.

“The whole of India is proud of Neeraj Chopra, who has created a new history. I congratulate the pride of the country, Neeraj,” she posted.

Ajay Devgn said the athlete’s win has left him elated.

“Congratulations Neeraj Chopra on your win at the Tokyo Olympics. More power to you! You’ve made your parents & India proud. Can’t tell you how happy I am. This is awesome #NeerajChopra #TokyoOlympics.”

Thappad actress Taapsee Pannu said the win has left her excited.

“It’s a gold! I am jumping with Joy! This young man Neeraj Chopra has created history!”.