Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra prevailed in an intense and stirring duel with compatriot Kishore Jena after brushing aside a technical glitch to defend his Asian Games gold, while the men’s 400m relay team also retained its title as India snared 12 medals on Wednesday to record its best-ever show at the continental showpiece.
The track and field athletes delivered seven medals on the day that took India’s overall tally to 81 — the highest by the country at the Asian Games. India’s previous best medal haul of 70 came in the last edition at Jakarta.
India are assured of more medals in several competitions and the country is expected to breach the 90-medal mark.
Neeraj was the overwhelming favourite in his event but Jena threw up a huge surprise when he heaved his spear to 86.77m to overtake his decorated compatriot, who had managed 84.49m in his second attempt.
This was after a dramatic start when Neeraj’s first effort was not recorded due to a malfunction in electronic distance measurement.
India’s 4x400m relay gold medal winners (from left) Rajesh Ramesh, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi, Amoj Jacob and Anas Muhammed Yahiya. PTI photo
“I don’t know why they did not measure my first throw. Just after me, the second and third competitors had their throws and their distance were measured. I kept on asking what happened to my first throw,” Neeraj told reporters after winning the gold.
“I was puzzled and confused. I think they lost my landing mark.”
Neeraj then responded to the challenge like a true champion and came up with his
season-best effort of 88.88m in his fourth attempt to regain the lead.
Jena too gave his all to further better his personal-best mark by covering the distance of 87.54m but it was good enough only to finish second behind Neeraj.
The duo could not better their throws after that and settled for a 1-2.
“I pretty happy for Jena. It really became a tough duel which I enjoyed thoroughly. We are used to such high-level competition.
“When he took lead it became very interesting. We have to keep telling ourselves that we can overcome the challenge and emerge as best,” Neeraj said.
With his stunning effort, Jena thus sealed his berth for the Paris Olympics. The qualification mark was 85.50.
Neeraj has already qualified for the 2024 Games.
Jena also had his second throw invalidated for crossing the line but the decision was later reversed.
The Indian quartet of Anas Muhammed Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh also sealed the gold for India in the men’s 4x400m relay with a timing of 3:01.58.
