Neeraj Chopra bags CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023 award in Sports category

Indian Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year Award 2023 in the sports category for his scintillating performances. Chopra delivered his victory speech virtually from South Africa, as the award was presented to his uncle by Anju Bobby George, former Indian athlete and vice president of the Athletics Federation of India.

In 2023, Chopra scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a throw that was measured at 88.17 meters, hence qualifying for the Paris Olympics slated to be held later this year.

He also bagged a silver medal in the Diamond League 2023 in Eugene, Oregon, US, in September, finishing behind the Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch. Currently, Chopra sits at the crown of the men’s javelin throw rankings, becoming the first Indian to achieve acclaim in track and field.

In October, he defended his Asian Games gold with his season-best throw of 88.88 meters, as his compatriot Kishore Jena finished second with his personal best of 87.54 meters in Hangzhou, China.

Moreover, Chopra has also received multiple national awards—the Arjuna Award (2018), the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021) and Padma Shri (2022), which is a testament to his consistently outstanding performances.

The 13th edition of India’s premier television awards recognised exceptional contributions of remarkable individuals across seven categories – Business, Entertainment, Sports, Youth Icon, Rising Sports Star, Social Change, and Climate Warriors. Since its inception in 2006, CNN-News18 Indian of the Year has firmly positioned itself as the biggest award in the world of news television, celebrated for its unassailable credibility.