As star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Saturday created history 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.
“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!”
Varun Dhawan shared a live video of watching the athlete’s performance at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Gold, gold it is. Neeraj Chopra has done it,” Dhawan captioned the clip.
Veteran actor-politician Hema Malini said the whole nation was proud of Chopra’s efforts.
“Wonderful news for India as young Neeraj Chopra wins the javelin gold! So proud of you Neeraj! The country salutes you!” she posted on the microblogging site.
Actor John Abraham tweeted, “Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on your historic accomplishment.
Suniel Shetty said Chopra fulfilled the dream of all the Indians. “Nothing beats that feeling when you hear the National Anthem playing on the stands. Thank you @Neeraj_chopra1. You fulfilled the dream of 139 crore Indians. God bless you!!First place medalFlag of India,” he posted.
Other Bollywood actors, who congratulated Chopra, were Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Neha Dhupia and Randeep Hooda.
