Neeraj Chopra is a trailblazing Indian athlete who has redefined the nation’s standing in global athletics with his historic feats in javelin throw. As India’s first Olympic gold medallist in track and field, Neeraj has become a national icon and an embodiment of perseverance, discipline, and excellence. Born into a humble farming family in Haryana, Neeraj’s journey from a small village to the world’s most prestigious sporting podium is nothing short of inspirational.
He shot to fame globally when he won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, marking India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics. With a throw of 87.58 meters, he etched his name into the history books and brought unparalleled glory to Indian sports. But Neeraj’s success didn’t stop there. He followed up his Olympic triumph with a silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, and in 2023, he became the first Indian to win gold at the World Championships, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers of this generation.
His journey has inspired millions, especially the youth, as he shattered stereotypes and proved that athletes from rural India can conquer the global stage. With his boy-next-door charm, long flowing hair, and humility, Neeraj has also become a favorite among brands, turning him into one of the most marketable athletes in India.
Let’s explore more about the life and achievements of this Olympic legend.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Neeraj Chopra |
| Other/Nickname | Nijju |
| Profession/Occupation | Athlete (Javelin Thrower) |
| Birthplace | Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age | 27 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 24 December 1997 |
| Hometown | Khandra, Panipat, Haryana |
| Caste/Religion | Hindu, ROR community |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Capricorn |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 183 cm (6’0”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 86 kg |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 44″, Waist: 32″, Biceps: 16″ |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Black |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Satish Kumar Chopra |
| Mother’s name | Saroj Devi |
| Brother’s name | Saurabh Chopra, Neeraj Chopra (has two younger brothers) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local school in Panipat |
| College/University | DAV College, Chandigarh; Pursuing BA from Lovely Professional University |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate (ongoing) |
Controversies
- In 2022, after winning silver at the World Championships, a clip of Neeraj asking about his misplaced javelin went viral. Some media outlets misinterpreted it as him accusing Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem of wrongdoing, which Neeraj later clarified, condemning the communal spin and urging focus on sportsmanship.
- No other major controversies; Neeraj is widely known for his grounded personality and clean image.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Indian cuisine, especially churma |
| Favorite Movie | Bhaag Milkha Bhaag |
| Favorite Actor | Akshay Kumar |
| Favorite Actress | Deepika Padukone |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Switzerland |
| Favorite Cafe | N/A |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Puma (also his sponsor) |
| Favorite Book | Not known |
| Favorite Athlete | Jan Železný (Czech javelin legend) |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Approx ₹1 crore per annum (not including endorsements) |
| Net Worth | ₹30–40 crore (approx, as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not known |
| Phone Number | Not known |
| House Address | Khandra, Panipat, Haryana |
Social Media
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Neeraj Chopra |
| @Neeraj_chopra1 | |
| Official Facebook Page | |
| @neeraj____chopra |
Personal quote:
“Gold toh gold hota hai, chahe Olympic ka ho ya World Championship ka.”
Early Life and Career:
Born in a farming family in the village of Khandra in Haryana, Neeraj Chopra was an overweight child who was often teased for his physique. To combat obesity, his family encouraged him to take up physical activity. He stumbled upon javelin throw at the Panipat Sports Authority of India center, where coach Jaiveer Singh noticed his natural talent.
Neeraj’s rise was meteoric. At 18, he won gold at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships in Poland, setting a world junior record of 86.48 meters, the first Indian to do so. This launched him into the elite circle of javelin throwers globally. He missed the 2016 Rio Olympics but came back stronger, training under world-class coaches and joining the Indian Army under the Rajputana Rifles as a Junior Commissioned Officer (Subedar).
He went on to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and eventually Olympic Gold in Tokyo 2020, firmly cementing his legacy. With each passing year, Neeraj has broken national records and brought unprecedented attention to Indian athletics.
Current Life/Events:
- In 2023, Neeraj won gold at the World Athletics Championships, becoming the first Indian to do so.
- He continues to be India’s top medal prospect for Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Neeraj is a national brand ambassador for several companies, including JSW Sports, Puma, and BYJU’S.
- He is also involved in promoting grassroots sports development through various initiatives.
- Widely loved for his humility and down-to-earth personality, Neeraj often credits his family, coaches, and Indian Army for his success.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Neeraj Chopra
- He joined the Indian Army in 2016 under sports quota as a Subedar.
- His World Junior Record throw in 2016 still stands as one of the top performances in youth athletics.
- Neeraj was trained in Germany by top coach Uwe Hohn — the only man to throw a javelin over 100 meters.
- His favorite food is “churma”, a traditional Haryanvi dish.
- He is extremely shy off the field and prefers a quiet life.
- Neeraj once threw his personal best in training at over 89.94m, just shy of the 90-meter elite mark.
- He was honored with Padma Shri and Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor.
- After his Olympic gold, the Indian government gifted him a ₹1 crore cash prize, a Class 1 government post, and several land and home rewards from different states.
- He is among the few Indian athletes with a global fan base and has been featured in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list.
- Neeraj is known for his long hair but occasionally donates it for cancer patients.
