Asian Games gold medalist and reigning Olympic and World Champion in men’s javelin, Neeraj Chopra, has been honored as a Laureus Ambassador, pledging his support to the Laureus Sport for Good initiative. This recognition comes as a result of his historic achievement at the Tokyo Olympics, where he secured the first-ever gold medal for an Indian track and field athlete. Neeraj’s association with Laureus began in 2022 when he was shortlisted for the Breakthrough of the Year award at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Let’s delve into this significant development.
Neeraj Chopra’s Journey with Laureus
Neeraj Chopra’s connection with Laureus dates back to 2022 when he was recognized as a finalist for the Breakthrough of the Year award at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards. This recognition was a tribute to his remarkable feat at the Tokyo Olympics, where he made history as India’s first track and field athlete to clinch a gold medal.
Inspired by Sport’s Transformative Power
What ignited Neeraj’s interest in Laureus was the organization’s commitment to honoring sport’s transformative power. As he learned more about Laureus, he was drawn to its athlete-led initiatives and programs that utilize the unifying and uplifting influence of sports for positive change.
Joining Elite Athletes and Icons
Neeraj Chopra’s appointment as a Laureus Ambassador places him in the company of elite athletes spanning generations. He joins esteemed figures in Indian sports, such as Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar, who have been associated with the organization.
Neeraj Chopra’s Remarkable Rise
Neeraj’s journey to becoming a Laureus Ambassador is marked by his incredible achievements in the world of athletics. With gold medals at the World Championships and, most recently, at the Asian Games, he has ascended to the pinnacle of his sport. His golden performance has catapulted him to a level of fame that transcends the boundaries of the track and field. His winning throw in Tokyo on August 7 is now celebrated as National Javelin Day in India, underscoring his profound impact on the country’s sporting landscape.
About Laureus Sport for Good
Laureus is a global sports-based charity with a core mission of improving the lives of young people. It employs various initiatives, including the Sport for Good program, the World Sports Academy, the Ambassador program, and the World Sports Awards, to harness the inspirational power of sports as a force for positive transformation. The organization supports over 300 programs worldwide that utilize sports to combat inequality and discrimination, particularly for young people.