From Gambhir to Yuvraj: How sports fraternity reacted after Neeraj Chopra created new national record

Once again, India's superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra hogged all the limelight for all the right reasons. Making a sensational return to the world of track and field after a historic campaign in the 2020 edition of the Tokyo Olympics, India's 'golden boy' Neeraj shattered his own national record at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on Tuesday. The 24-year-old secured a podium finish for India in his first competitive event after the Summer Games 2020.

The Tokyo Olympic gold medallist produced a record-breaking throw of 89.30m which toppled his own national record and guided him to the second spot at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku. From Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur to Team India's stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant, superstar Neeraj was hailed by several luminaries of the Indian sports fraternity on Twitter.

"Golden Great @Neeraj_chopra1 does it again! Neeraj Chopra threw 89.30 metres at Paavo Nurmi Games to create a new National Record! Absolutely THRILLED You've got to see his throw," Union Minister Thakur tweeted. Former Indian cricketer and two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir also showered praise on Neerah for making a spectacular return.

"The golden boy has done it again! New national record. Great going #NeerajChopra," Gautam Gambhir tweeted. Legendary cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh also welcomed the triumphant return of Neeraj at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. Neeraj improved his national record of 88.07 meters which he had achieved in Patiala. His memorable throw earned him the prestigious silver medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games.

After creating a new national record with a throw of 89.30 metres, Neeraj asserted that he was pleased to start the season on a high note. "I am pleased with my performance. It was my first event of the season, so I am happy to have started the season on a high note. My performance here has boosted my confidence significantly," Neeraj said.