"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
24 May 2023
Neeraj Chopra, India's Tokyo Olympics gold medallist in javelin throw, has catapulted to the pinnacle of the latest men's rankings in the sport, securing the coveted title of World No.1. With an impressive tally of 1455 points, Chopra has surged 22 points ahead of Grenada's Anderson Peters, who previously held the top spot. This remarkable achievement comes after Chopra had maintained the No.2 position since August 30, 2022.
Claiming his dominance in the javelin throw, Chopra's rise to the summit showcases his exceptional performances over the past year. Notably, he secured victory in the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich, making history as the first Indian athlete to capture the prestigious Diamond League trophy. Although he faced a setback due to injury after his triumph, Chopra made a resounding comeback at the Doha Diamond League in May this year, clinching first place with a remarkable throw of 88.67m.
This milestone accomplishment serves as a significant boost for Chopra as he gears up for upcoming competitions. He is set to compete at the FBK Games 2023 on June 4 in the Netherlands and the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023 in Turku, Finland, on June 13. With his sights firmly set on the Paris Olympics next year, Chopra's ascension to the No.1 ranking is an indication of his exceptional form and potential for even greater achievements.
In addition to Chopra's success, India's Rohit Yadav and DP Manu also shine in the men's javelin throw rankings, securing the 15th and 17th positions respectively. Meanwhile, Avinash Sable represents India in the men's 3000m steeplechase, holding the 14th position in the rankings. India's presence in these rankings reflects the nation's growing prowess in athletics and raises hopes for future accomplishments on the global stage.