With 1.4 billion inhabitants, India is the second most populous country in the world. A large pool of athletes who could win Olympic medals at the Olympic Games, you might say. Well, not really. The Asian country is ranked 67th… out of 72.

In fact, the medal haul for the world’s fifth economic power is (for now) poor: three bronze medalswon from the shooting disciplines.

But Neeraj Chopra Thanks to his second place in the javelin throw, his country won the first silver medal of these Olympics on Thursday evening, August 8. However, he was the favorite for the final. Does that name ring a bell? However, he is a big star in his country.

A social media superstar

His counter is running Instagram proves it well. It accumulates 9.2 million subscribers. In comparison, the American Noah Lyleswho won the gold medal in the men's 100 m race a few days ago, has (only) 1.3 million.

A damn great community that makes it an influencer bankableBetween two beautiful photo portraits of the athlete we find advertisements for telephones, credit cards, razors, watches and energy drinks.

The 26-year-old was born in 1997 in the village of Khandra in the northern Indian state of Haryana and has one goal: Putting India on the international sports mapas he explains in a video published a year ago on the official Olympic channel.

We have to go further. Qualified Indian sportspeople have to set a good example. Therefore, when we participate in sporting events, we have to do everything we can to come home with medals.

Already Olympic champion 2021

True to this spirit, Neeraj Chopra has never missed an opportunity to make history in his sport since his childhood. When he was only 19 years old, he was Junior World Champion of the discipline in 2016. The following year, the athlete won his first major international title by becoming Asian Champion.

In 2021, the young athlete caused a surprise at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. With a throwing distance of 87.58 m, she offers a first Olympic title in athletics in India.

In 2023, a new title will complete the collection. And last but not least. With a throwing distance of 88.17 m, he crowns himself World Champion in Budapest.

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the Indian athlete finished at the top of his group with a throw of 89.34 m. Enough to dream of Olympic gold in Paris. A new charm that has its place in his (impressive) track record.

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