Neeraj Chopra:
Indian track and field star Neeraj Chopra is well-known throughout the world for his exceptional javelin throwing skills. He became well-known throughout the world after becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic track and field medal, having won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (which were postponed until 2021 owing to the pandemic). He is already a household celebrity in India and a rising sports star worldwide thanks to his amazing performance.
Neeraj has established himself as one of the world’s best javelin throwers by winning in the World Athletics Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games with a combination of strength, accuracy, and hard work.
Personal Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neeraj Chopra |
| Nickname | Golden Boy, Neeraj Bhai |
| Date of Birth & Age (2025) | December 24, 1997 (Age: 27) |
| Profession | Track and Field Athlete (Javelin Throw) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Family Members | Parents: Satish Kumar & Saroj Devi Siblings: Two sisters |
| Hobbies & Interests | Traveling, Fitness, Listening to Music |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $4 – $5 Million USD |
Childhood and Schooling
On December 24, 1997, Neeraj Chopra was born in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, India. He was raised in a farming family and shown early athleticism, but he battled weight difficulties as a child. When he was eleven years old, he joined a nearby gym and then a sports academy, where he learned how to throw a javelin.
Chopra attended Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) College in Chandigarh after completing his high school education in Haryana. Additionally, he received support for his athletic training as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army.
Motivators & Impacts
Indian athletes like as his initial coach, Jaiveer Choudhary, and subsequently world javelin throw record holder Jan Zelezny served as inspiration for Neeraj. A number of coaches, including the renowned German javelin thrower Uwe Hohn, helped him develop his love for the sport.
Career Stats (Till May 2025)
| Year | Event | Result/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | South Asian Games | Gold Medal (84.23m) |
| 2016 | IAAF World U20 Championships | Gold Medal & World Junior Record (86.48m) |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games | Gold Medal (86.47m) |
| 2018 | Asian Games | Gold Medal (88.06m) |
| 2021 | Tokyo Olympics (2020 edition) | Gold Medal (87.58m) |
| 2022 | World Athletics Championships | Silver Medal (88.13m) |
| 2023 | Diamond League Final | Champion |
| 2023 | Asian Games (Hangzhou) | Gold Medal (88.88m) |
| 2024 | Paris Diamond League | Winner (89.30m) |
| 2025 | World Athletics Championships (Tokyo) | Gold Medal (89.67m – Personal Best) |
Family Background
Neeraj hails from a modest, close-knit farming family in Haryana.
Father: Satish Kumar (Farmer)
Mother: Saroj Devi (Homemaker)
Siblings: Two younger sisters (not in the limelight)
His upbringing in rural India shaped his values and instilled resilience that defines his sports career.
Physical Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | 86 kg (189 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 42 in, Waist: 32 in, Biceps: 16 in |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinctive Features | Athletic build, calm demeanor, iconic long hair (until 2021) |
Career Journey
Early Career:
Neeraj started training seriously in javelin throw around 2011. His first national-level victory came in 2012. His natural talent and relentless training quickly earned him recognition. However, limited resources and facilities in his village were obstacles he had to overcome.
Breakthrough Performance:
His world-record throw of 86.48m at the World U20 Championships in 2016 put him on the global map. The Tokyo Olympics gold medal in 2021 was the turning point that transformed him from a promising athlete to a global icon.
Major Titles Won:
Olympic Gold Medalist (2020)
Asian Games Gold (2018, 2023)
Commonwealth Games Gold (2018)
World Championships Gold (2025), Silver (2022)
Diamond League Champion (2023, 2024)
Awards & Achievements
Padma Shri (2022)
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021)
Arjuna Award (2018)
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Nominee (2022)
Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2022)
Personal Life
Neeraj Chopra keeps his personal life private. As of 2025, he is not publicly known to be in a relationship. He is dedicated to his career and spends most of his time training or engaging with fans.
Philanthropy:
Neeraj supports grassroots sports development in India and actively promotes fitness among youth.
Interesting Facts:
He is fluent in Hindi, Haryanvi, and English.
Loves listening to Punjabi music and old Hindi songs.
Known for his humility and grounded personality despite global fame.
Future Projects
As of mid-2025, Neeraj is preparing for:
Paris 2025 Diamond League Finals
2026 Asian Games
Long-term goal: Defending Olympic title at Los Angeles 2028
He also aspires to mentor young Indian athletes.12. Legacy & Influence
Neeraj has become a symbol of hope, hard work, and national pride. He’s credited with bringing track and field into the spotlight in India and inspiring thousands of youth to take up athletics.
On social media, his positivity and sportsmanship have earned him millions of fans worldwide. He’s also influenced a growing number of Indian Olympians to pursue excellence.
Social Media & Fan Engagement
Neeraj is highly active on social media, regularly sharing training updates, motivational content, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Instagram: @neeraj____chopra – 7M+ followers
Twitter/X: @Neeraj_chopra1 – 2.5M+ followers
YouTube: Occasionally posts interviews and event highlights
His candid nature, inspirational posts, and interactions with fans make him one of India’s most beloved athletes on digital platforms.
