New Delhi, India, January 26, 2022: Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of India.
Chopra created history at Tokyo 2020 by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in athletics at the Olympic Games. The Haryana-born athlete produced a best throw of 87.58m to take the top prize in the men’s javelin.
On Tuesday, January 25, it was also announced that Chopra – a Subedar or junior commissioned officer in the Indian Army – will be awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal by the 4 Rajputana Rifles for his distinguished services. He will receive the award today, January 26, which is Republic Day in India.
In a Twitter post, Chopra said he is humbled and honoured to know that he has been named as recipient of the Padma Shri award and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
“I thank you all for your good wishes and blessings and will continue to work hard to do my best for the nation,” he wrote.
Along with Chopra, Paralympic javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India. Jhajharia is the most successful Paralympic athlete of India having won gold medals at Athens 2004 and Rio 2016 before winning silver at Tokyo 2020.
Other Padma Shri awardees are Tokyo Paralympics champions, Pramod Bhagat (badminton), Sumit Antil (javelin throw) and Avani Lekhara (shooting), along with Indian women’s hockey star Vandana Katariya.
Former Indian football team captain Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, Faisal Ali Dar (martial arts coach) and 93-year-old Sankaranarayana Menon Chundayil (an exponent of ancient martial arts kalaripayattu) are the other Padma Shri awardees in the sports category.
The awards will be presented by the President of India in March or April at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Source: Olympics.com
Photo: Indian Express