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India’s brightest medal prospect in track-and-field, Neeraj Chopra will chase an elusive gold medal for the country in the men’s javelin throw final on Saturday, August 7.
The junior world champion from India sealed qualification to the final by topping his group ahead of Germany’s Johannes Vetter, who is touted to be a favourite for gold.
He surpassed the automatic qualifying mark of 83.50m with his first attempt of 86.65m and gained direct entry into the final from Group A. It was the first time that an Indian had topped qualification in any athletic discipline at the quadrennial event.
Pakistan also has representation in the men’s javelin throw final with Arshad Nadeem qualifying from Group B with a throw of 85.16m in the qualifying round.
Chopra and Nadeem had earlier competed together at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta where the Indian bagged gold while the Pakistan athlete settled for bronze. That said, Chopra will have more than just Nadeem to worry about in the final.
The 23-year old will face stiff competition from the likes of Germany’s Johannes Vetter and Julian Weber.
Vetter is expected to be the toughest challenge for Chopra and is the only man in the world to have thrown beyond 90.00m in the past two years. His best throw this year is 96.29m.
In the build-up to the Tokyo Olympics, Chopra had been training in Europe and took part in several events besides also participating at the Indian Grand Prix in Patiala earlier this year.
The nation’s eyes will be on the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion on Saturday as Neeraj goes for Olympic glory in his debut Summer Games.
Where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s men’s javelin throw final event at Tokyo 2020 live in India?
Neeraj Chopra will be in action at 4:30 PM on August 7 in the men’s javelin throw final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the event will be telecast on Sony Sports Network channels in India.
Live streaming of the men's javelin throw final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be available on the Sony Liv app and website.
Live broadcast subject to Sony Sports Network.
Featured photo : Press Handout