Who became India's first Olympic athletics gold medalist and remains a sporting icon in 2025?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Neeraj Chopra.
Explanation:
☛ Neeraj Chopra created history by winning the gold medal in the men's javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) with a throw of 87.58 metres.
☛ He became the first athlete from independent India to win an Olympic medal in track and field (athletics).
☛ He is only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal after shooter Abhinav Bindra (Beijing 2008).
☛ At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he won the silver medal with a throw of 89.45 metres, becoming one of independent India's most decorated individual Olympians.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ National Javelin Day: The Athletics Federation of India designated 7 August as National Javelin Day to commemorate his historic Olympic victory.
☛ PR Sreejesh: Renowned former hockey goalkeeper who won consecutive bronze medals for India at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
☛ Manu Bhaker: Ace shooter who became the first athlete of independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics (Paris 2024).
☛ Mirabai Chanu: Indian weightlifter who won the silver medal in the women's 49 kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the first individual Olympic gold medalist for India? → Abhinav Bindra (Men's 10m Air Rifle, Beijing 2008)
☛ In which year did Neeraj Chopra win gold at the World Athletics Championships? → 2023 (Budapest)
☛ Who became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal? → Karnam Malleswari (Weightlifting Bronze, Sydney 2000)
☛ Which Indian athlete finished fourth in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics? → Milkha Singh
☛ Who won India's first Olympic medal in badminton? → Saina Nehwal (Bronze, London 2012)