As Arshad Nadeem fails to find Pakistan flag, Neeraj Chopra's gesture goes viral - WATCH

On Monday, at the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships, Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal. Chopra won the first-ever gold medal in the men's javelin category with a throw of 88.17 metres on his second attempt. With Chopra's victory, an Indian won the gold medal for the first time ever in the World Athletics Championships. Second place went to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem (87.82m), while third place went to the Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch (86.67m). 

3 things you need to know 

• Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the 2023 World Athletics Championships
• Chopra won the gold medal owing to a throw of 88.17 metres in his second attempt
• Chopra is the first Indian sportsperson to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships

Also Read: Olympics to WAC: Neeraj Chopra comes full circle with Budapest 2023 gold

 Neeraj Chopra won an unprecedented gold medal for India in Budapest

On his first attempt, Neeraj Chopra launched the Monday night final with a foul throw. But he recovered immediately, and he put out a superb effort on his second try, which turned out to be the best throw of the contest. Chopra increased his advantage at the table by a remarkable 88.17 m.

After reaching a distance of 87.82m on his third attempt, Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem came in second overall. With his fifth and final throw, Jakub Vadlejch earned third place with a distance of 86.67 metres. Chopra, the current world number one in the javelin, won the Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, although Anderson Peters won the world championship in Eugene last year and Neeraj won a silver. The only other Indian to medal at the competition was Anju Bobby George, who took home a bronze in the women's long jump in Paris in 2003.

Also Read: 'A symbol of unparalleled excellence': PM Modi hails Neeraj Chopra on winning gold at WAC

Neeraj Chopra makes a touching gesture for Pakistani Arshad Nadeem

During the celebrations following the event, Neeraj Chopra and Jakub Vadlejch were photographed with their respective national flags. The Pakistani athlete, Arshad Nadeem, was observed standing a bit further away from the gathering of medalists. In a wonderful demonstration of sportsmanship and solidarity, Neeraj Chopra recognised Nadeem's situation and made a heartfelt gesture, realising the importance of inclusion and togetherness in such circumstances. He called Nadeem and invited him to take a photo with them.

Neeraj Chopra's gesture demonstrated not just his athletic brilliance, but also his ability to reach beyond borders and establish a spirit of brotherhood and respect among fellow sportsmen, transcending any competitive barriers. It was a demonstration of sportsmanship that embodied the genuine spirit of sport, encouraging international cooperation and closeness.