<p>The day Neeraj Chopra scripted history by winning Olympic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics, August 7, will be celebrated as National Javelin Day by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).</p>.<p>The 23-year-old Chopra became only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold in Tokyo on Saturday when he clinched the yellow metal in javelin throw with a best effort of 87.58m.</p>.<p>"To encourage javelin throw pan-India, we will celebrate August 7 as National Javelin Day and from next year onwards our affiliated units will hold javelin competitions in their respective states," AFI's Planning Commission chairman Lalit Bhanot said during a felicitation function of the athletes, including Chopra.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/after-olympic-gold-neeraj-eyes-world-championships-title-next-year-1018212.html" target="_blank">After Olympic gold, Neeraj eyes World Championships title next year</a></strong></p>.<p>"After that we will have inter-district competitions and we will provide javelins (because there will be lot many required). We will enlarge the competitions in the coming years to become a national event."</p>.<p>The AFI started National Open Javelin Throw Championships in 2018 and its third edition is scheduled in October this year.</p>.<p>"I am feeling good that the AFI is making my achievement to be remembered in the days to come. I will be happy if my achievement becomes a reason to inspire the youngsters of this country to take athletics, especially javelin.</p>.<p>"If the children are getting javelin and other facilities, I hope they will come and take up the sport and I will be happy to cheer for them and they can be the future medal winners."</p>
<p>The day Neeraj Chopra scripted history by winning Olympic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics, August 7, will be celebrated as National Javelin Day by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).</p>.<p>The 23-year-old Chopra became only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold in Tokyo on Saturday when he clinched the yellow metal in javelin throw with a best effort of 87.58m.</p>.<p>"To encourage javelin throw pan-India, we will celebrate August 7 as National Javelin Day and from next year onwards our affiliated units will hold javelin competitions in their respective states," AFI's Planning Commission chairman Lalit Bhanot said during a felicitation function of the athletes, including Chopra.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/after-olympic-gold-neeraj-eyes-world-championships-title-next-year-1018212.html" target="_blank">After Olympic gold, Neeraj eyes World Championships title next year</a></strong></p>.<p>"After that we will have inter-district competitions and we will provide javelins (because there will be lot many required). We will enlarge the competitions in the coming years to become a national event."</p>.<p>The AFI started National Open Javelin Throw Championships in 2018 and its third edition is scheduled in October this year.</p>.<p>"I am feeling good that the AFI is making my achievement to be remembered in the days to come. I will be happy if my achievement becomes a reason to inspire the youngsters of this country to take athletics, especially javelin.</p>.<p>"If the children are getting javelin and other facilities, I hope they will come and take up the sport and I will be happy to cheer for them and they can be the future medal winners."</p>