Asian Games 2018: Neeraj Chopra creates international record after winning gold

by Elton Gomes

On Day 9 of the Asian Games, India won four silver medals in track and field, one gold in javelin throw, and one bronze in badminton. Neeraj Chopra won gold and created an international record after registering a throw of 88.06 metres in his third attempt. Neena Varakil won silver in women’s long jump, while Sudha Singh also added a silver in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase. India won another medal in track and field after Dharun Ayyasamy won silver in the men’s 400 metres hurdles.

Neeraj Chopra wins gold

India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, won gold after setting a record at the Games. Chopra won India’s eight gold medal at the Games so far. Chopra’s first attempt saw a distance of 83.46 metres, while his third attempt was 88.06 metres; his fourth and fifth attempts were 83.25 and 86.36 metres, respectively.

When @Neeraj_chopra1 is on the field, expect the very best from him.

This youngster makes India happier by winning a Gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw Final. We also congratulate him for setting a new national record. #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/juRElLZQfx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2018

#Athletics

The first Indian to win the javelin gold at the Asian Games!

World Junior Champion
Commonwealth Champion
Asian Champion
Asian Games Champions

What next for the magnificent Neeraj Chopra?#AsianGames2018 Live updates: https://t.co/gMoxiZ7Gld pic.twitter.com/M7VTavjddL

— The Field (@thefield_in) August 27, 2018

Chopra shattered his own national record by clearing a distance of 88.06 m. Chopra’s gold is India’s only second medal in javelin throw at the Games. Gurtej Singh had won bronze in 1982 in New Delhi.

A silver day for track and field

In the field of athletics, Neena Varakil gave India a silver after coming in second in the women’s long jump in Jakarta. Varakil’s best attempt of 6.51 metres came in her fourth attempt. Vietnam’s Thi Thu Thao Bui took away gold with a seasons best of 6.55 metres. With an effort of 6.50 metres, China’s Xiaoling Xu came in third position.

🇮🇳
CONGRATULATIONS!!
SILVER🥈FOR #INDIA 🇮🇳!#NeenaVarakil wins a silver medal in women’s long jump. #AsianGames2018 #asiangames pic.twitter.com/QY8IGUj3is

— Doordarshan National (@DDNational) August 27, 2018

Adding to India’s medal tally was Sudha Singh after she won her second medal at the Games. Singh clinched a silver in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase. Reigning Asian champion, Singh clocked in 9:40.03 minutes and finished behind Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, who completed the race in 9:36.52 minutes.

Here’s our 32yr-old #TOPSAthlete & women’s 3000m steeplechase silver medalist from today!

Clocking a time of 9:40:03, we are so proud of her!
Well done, #SudhaSingh!🇮🇳🥈#SAI #IndiaAtAsianGames @afiindia @iaaforg #Athletics #ProudIndia #AsianGames2018 #KheloIndia pic.twitter.com/PgTzbvEeKc

— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 27, 2018

32-year-old Singh clinched gold in 2010 when women’s 3000 m steeplechase was introduced at the Games. Singh’s personal best is 9:26.55, while her season’s best is 9:39.59, which she clocked during the National Inter-State Championships in June.

Dharun Ayyasamy added another silver after coming second in the men’s 400m hurdles in national record time. Ayyasamy clocked 48.96 seconds to break his own national record and finish behind Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba who won the gold with a record time of 47.66.

Proud #DharunAyyasami with #Indian Flag after smashing National Record with a timing of 48.96s in 400m Hurdles final at @asiangames2018 #EnergyofAsia

Dharun is first #Indian to run a 400m H under 49secs.

Superb run Champ!!

PC- @rahuldpawar @ioaindia @IndiaSports @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/04JIQthDt7

— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) August 27, 2018

Nehwal wins bronze

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal became the first Indian shuttler to win a medal in women’s individual event in badminton after claiming bronze. Nehwal was up against World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying, and lost 21-17, 21-14.

Congratulations on clinching the bronze medal for India, @NSaina!#AsianGames.. Proud moment! #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/dldfAicsPJ

— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) August 27, 2018

Currently ranked World No. 10, Nehwal gave her best to outclass Ying, but Ying got the better of Nehwal with better court coverage and wide range of shots.

Saina’s medal assumes importance as no female Indian shuttler had won a medal at the Games prior to this. After Nehwal’s historic feat, P.V. Sindhu made her way into the finals of the women’s singles event at the Games after defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi.

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Elton Gomes is a staff writer at Qrius