In a heartwarming confluence of national leadership and sporting excellence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hosted Olympic gold medallist and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra along with his wife, Himani Mor, at his residence. The meeting, captured in candid photographs shared by the PM, showcased a warm interaction, with Mr. Modi noting they discussed “a range of topics, particularly those related to sports.” This engagement underscores the nation’s enduring admiration for its champion, even as it followed a season marked by both historic achievement and uncharacteristic adversity for the athlete.
The year 2025 presented a narrative of contrasts for Chopra. It was a season where he finally conquered a long-awaited personal frontier, only to face one of the most challenging phases of his career. The defining moment came early at the Doha Diamond League, where the Indian superstar launched his javelin to a staggering 90.23 metres, shattering the elusive 90-metre barrier—a monumental milestone in his career. Yet, in a testament to the fierce competition at the pinnacle of the sport, this herculean effort secured him only a silver medal, as Germany’s Julian Weber threw even further (91.06m) to claim gold.
Undeterred, Chopra showcased his champion’s resolve by clinching victory at prestigious events like the Paris Diamond League and the Ostrava Golden Spike, eventually finishing a creditable second in the overall Diamond League standings. However, the World Athletics Championships in Budapest proved to be a stern test. Grappling with injury and resulting inconsistency, the 27-year-old finished a distant eighth. This marked his first non-podium finish at a major global event since 2018, a stark reminder of the incredibly high standards he has set and the physical toll elite sport exacts.
Beyond the international circuit, 2025 was also a year of giving back and personal joy. Chopra inaugurated the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, a domestic competition that attracted global talent. In a proud moment for home fans, he won the event with a throw of 86.18m. The year was further brightened by significant personal milestones. He was conferred an honorary commission in the Territorial Army in April, a recognition of his discipline and service to the nation. Earlier, on January 16, he had embarked on a beautiful new chapter, marrying Himani Mor in an intimate ceremony in Himachal Pradesh.
Prime Minister Modi’s invitation, coming at the close of such a multifaceted year, resonates deeply. It is a gesture of unwavering support from the nation’s leader, acknowledging not just the victories but also the resilience required to navigate setbacks. The meeting symbolises a broader national conversation about nurturing sporting excellence, athlete welfare, and the journey beyond the podium.
As Neeraj Chopra looks ahead to the 2026 Asian Games and the road to the next Olympics, this endorsement from the highest office serves as both a commendation for past glories and a source of strength for the challenges ahead. His 2025 season, a blend of record-breaking throws, tough lessons, and personal happiness, ultimately paints the portrait of a complete athlete—one who continues to inspire a billion dreams, both on and off the field.
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