Neeraj Chopra, who scripted history on Saturday after becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in an athletics event, dedicated his medal to Milkha Singh.
Neeraj, 23, remembered the legendary sprinter, who passed away few days back due to Covid-19.
Hailing from Panipat, Haryana, Neeraj won the men’s javelin throw event with a best distance of 87.58 metres.
His gold is only the second individual gold medal for India at the Olympics.
Dedicating his gold to Milkha, Neeraj said after winning the historics gold: “I dedicate this medal to Milkha Singh. I hope he’s watching upon me from wherever he is.”
Neeraj meanwhile, also said that he could not believe that he had won the gold medal for India in his very first appearance at the showpiece event.
“It feels unbelievable. It is the first time India has won a gold in athletics, so I feel very good. We have just one gold here in other sports,” the javelin star told media.
“This is our first Olympic medal for a very long time, and in athletics it is the first time we have gold, so it’s a proud moment for me and my country,” he added.
Commenting on whether he was surprised to win gold in an event, which also featured veteran German thrower Johannes Vetter, Neeraj said: “In the qualification round I threw very well so I knew I could do better in the final. (But) I didn’t know it would be gold but I am very happy.”