His father said, “It is a matter of great pride for the entire family that Neeraj is getting this honour.”
Panipat, Haryana:
Neeraj Chopra’s father Satish Kumar said that it is a matter of great pride for the entire family that the javelin thrower has been awarded the Padma Shri and Param Vashisht Seva Medal.
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has been awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award. The 24-year-old created history at Tokyo 2020 by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in athletics at the Olympic Games.
Neeraj Chopra – a Subedar in the Indian Army – also received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal by the 4 Rajputana Rifles for his distinguished service.
Satish’s father Satish told ANI, “It is a matter of great pride for the entire family that Neeraj is getting this honour.”
He further added that: “It is a matter of pride that Neeraj received the award and the country, the government considered him deserving of this honour.”
Neeraj Chopra’s grandfather said: “I thank the countrymen for giving so much respect to Neeraj Chopra.”
Other Padma Shri awardees include Tokyo Paralympic champion Sumit Antil (javelin throw), Pramod Bhagat and Avani Lekhara (shooting), as well as Indian women’s hockey team star Vandana Kataria.
While Paralympic javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award.
,