Neeraj Chopra once again made the whole country proud as he was broke its own national record for the second time in a month.
The star javelin thrower produced his best throw of his career at 89.94m in the prestigious Diamond League competition in Sweden and gave billions of Indians a reason to cherish.
As he has performed at the moment, it could not be said that he had been away from competitions almost like a javelin throw.
Until last year, it seemed like a distant dream but everything changed after Chopra hit a historic gold at the Olympics in Tokyo and became the first Indian athlete to achieve that feat.
But his sporting achievements are not the only reason why fans admire him so much. There is a lot in his personality that has struck a chord directly between him and his fans.
Although he is one of the most acclaimed athletes in the country, Chopra has his feet on the ground. His humility and down-to-earth nature have given him a special place in the heart of every fan.
This is what I’ve seen happen to the world’s best athletes in my entire life. As a sports fan since childhood, my soul has longed for such an iconic athlete and finally after a wait of more than 100 years, we have our very own husband who scared the hell out of his opponents (1)#NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/rqMsJsin9A
– (@ serenity__77) July 1, 2022
And the same was shown in full outside the stadium in Stockholm where he encountered some fans when he walked towards his bus. A video that has gone viral on social media shows Chopra talking to some Indian supporters, including an elderly man.
While talking to the Indian fans, a couple of foreigners came up to him with a request for a picture and he thanked it with a big smile on his face. When they congratulated him on his incredible achievement, he replied with a sweet “thank you very much”.
When he started saying goodbye to the Indian fans, the older man said: “Agli baar 90 se uppar jaayega (Next time, you will definitely throw beyond 90m). ”
What Neeraj did then explains why people love him so much. He bent down and touched the older man’s feet, seeking his blessings before getting on the bus that was waiting for him.
When the video went viral on social media, fans began praising the javelin thrower for his humble and grounded nature. Many people described him as the true role model for every Indian youth.
“What a good guy … simply down to earth and touching the feet of the elderly and seeking blessings. What a GET”, wrote one fan.
“He who remains humble when it comes to winning and put together in defeat is destined for greatness,” commented the other.
Neeraj sir what are you made of?
This level of humility and kindnesshttps://t.co/KOrWfNsxQz– NcStan (@NeerajChopraFc_) June 30, 2022
why this man is so perfect https://t.co/FCX4bpXBN8
– (@Uthsaraa_) July 1, 2022
A big fan of this man !! He will surely reach new heights. Keep the tricolor flying high @ Neeraj_chopra1 https://t.co/RlE3wZepWd
– Darshan Joshi (@Darshan_MUFC) July 1, 2022
Big players get amazing from these acts of greatness that they do not even realize. He also does well because he has the blessings of many people behind him
– Prashant (@ prashant2280) July 1, 2022
Thank you for being the role model you are Neeraj.
– Shuveshek Rai (@shuveshek) July 1, 2022
Yep
– Din (@ijnani) July 1, 2022
Such a humble and down to earth person
– Sheetal (@iamsheeta) July 1, 2022
A true role model for today’s youth. #Respect
– Bharti (@ Softy68448436) July 1, 2022
It is a gold medal for his parents and family, such a rooted upbringing
– K Gaurav Singh Rampuri (@KGSinghRampuri) July 1, 2022
He who remains humble when it comes to winning and put together in defeat is destined for greatness https://t.co/fOr3xdkK94
– Sayan (@Tweets_by_Sayan) July 1, 2022
Chopra will next be seen shooting at the World Athletics Championships in the USA. With the blessings of billions of Indian fans, he would hope to cross the 90 m mark for the first time in his career and add another glorious chapter in the country’s sporting history.