In recognition of the stupendous achievement of Subedar Neeraj Chopra (VSM), who has won India’s first ever Olympic Gold medal in Athletics, Punjab Chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced a special cash reward of Rs. 2 Crore for his award winning 87.58 metres javelin throw in Tokyo.
The Chief Minister said it was a proud moment for India and all Punjabis, since the family of Neeraj Chopra, a serving soldier of Indian Army, traces its roots to Punjab.
Chopra practiced most of the time at NIS Patiala. He had earlier won Gold medal in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in 2018 and was Current National Record Holder with 88.07 Metres throw.
It is the second Gold Medal by an Indian in the individual category of Olympic Games after Abhinav Bindra, hailing from Punjab, won Gold medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics.
According to the Punjab government release, Chopra studied at DAV College Chandigarh and joined the Indian army (4 Raj Rif) in 2016.