Neeraj Chopra Birthday Special: From an Overweight Boy to Olympic Champion – The Inspiring Journey of India’s Golden Boy

Neeraj Chopra, the pride of Indian athletics, celebrates his 28th birthday today. Known as India’s “Golden Boy,” Neeraj has inspired millions with his incredible journey from childhood struggles to becoming an Olympic champion.

Childhood Struggles and Early Life
Born on December 24, 1997, in Panipat, Haryana, into a farmer family, Neeraj faced challenges from a young age. At 12, he weighed over 80 kilograms, and his childhood diet, consisting of ghee, churma, and roti, contributed to his weight. Children often mocked him, but with support from his uncle, Neeraj started training in running and exercising at the stadium. It was here that he first witnessed javelin throwers, sparking his passion for the sport. On his very first attempt, he threw 25 meters, leaving everyone amazed. From that moment, Neeraj never looked back.

Rise to International Fame
Neeraj first made headlines in 2012 by winning gold at the National Junior Athletics Championship in Lucknow with a throw of 68.40 meters, setting a new junior national record. In 2016, he won gold at the Under-20 World Championships with a throw of 86.48 meters, also setting the under-20 world record, earning global recognition. Though he finished 15th at the 2017 World Championships, he bounced back by winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Olympic Glory
In the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics with a best throw of 87.58 meters, outperforming top contenders including Germany’s Johannes Vetter. He further proved his consistency and prowess by securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He remains the only Indian to have won both gold and silver in individual Olympic events.

World Championships and Beyond
Neeraj continued his dominance by winning the Diamond League Final in 2022 and gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. In 2025, he crossed the 90-meter mark for the first time in his career, throwing 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League.

Neeraj Chopra’s journey from an overweight boy to an international javelin superstar is a testament to his discipline, hard work, and unyielding determination, inspiring countless young athletes across India.