Panipat village gears up to welcome its son Neeraj Chopra

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Panipat, August 8

Celebrations continued at the Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra’s Khandra village on Sunday, as members of the family and villagers danced to the beats of “dhol”.

Hard work paid off

Neeraj talked to us for only 15-20 seconds after winning the gold medal. He said, ‘I did what I had said.’ The struggle of all family members and Neeraj’s hard work have paid off. — Bhimsen Chopra, Neeraj's uncle

A stream of people visited Chopra’s house all day long to congratulate his family. The 23-year-old javelin thrower secured India’s second individual gold in the Olympic history with a sensational performance at Tokyo. Meanwhile, the village is gearing up to welcome its son.

Home Minister Anil Vij, local legislator Pramod Vij and district BJP president Archana Gupta visited Neeraj’s village, and congratulated his parents and relatives.

“I have come here to congratulate and salute the parents of gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, who brought laurels to the country at the world arena. For many years, the country yearned for the gold medal. Neeraj has done it. He has created history,” said Vij, who touched the feet of Neeraj’s parents. He lauded the family for imparting good values to Neeraj, who dedicated the gold medal to the legendry Milkha Singh.

Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan and other dignitaries also visited Neeraj’s home to congratulate the family.

On the question of marriage, Bhimsen Chopra, Neeraj’s uncle, said: “He is only 23 years old. There’s no hurry. Besides, there’s one condition before he gets married. Play two more Olympic Games and win more medals. ”

Neeraj will reach India on Monday evening. “The programme to welcome him back to the village willbe decided only after the official events,” he added.