'I wanted more Indian throwers': Neeraj Chopra hails Yashvir and Rohit
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra celebrates as Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav secure javelin medals at the Asian Games 2026.
Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has shared his immense joy following the stellar performance of Indian javelin throwers at the Asian Games 2026. In a moment of pride for the nation, Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav stepped into the spotlight to secure podium finishes, proving that India's dominance in the field is expanding.
A New Era for Indian Athletics
While Neeraj Chopra was unable to compete due to an injury sustained prior to his travel to Japan, his spirit was clearly present as he cheered on his compatriots. Yashvir Singh claimed the silver medal, while Rohit Yadav secured the bronze, ensuring that India remained a powerhouse in the men's javelin throw event.
Taking to social media to express his sentiments, Chopra highlighted his long-standing desire to see a deeper pool of talent representing the country on the global stage. "I have always wanted more Indian throwers to compete at the highest level, and seeing Rohit and Yashvir win medals at the Asian Games is something I am very happy about," the champion posted on X. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to both athletes and the entire Indian athletics community.
The Battle for the Podium
The men's javelin competition was one of the most anticipated events of the athletics programme, especially with the presence of heavyweights like Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem. The competition was fierce, but the Indian duo managed to hold their ground against the world's best.
The final results were as follows:
- Gold: Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka) with a massive throw of 88.55m.
- Silver: Yashvir Singh (India) with a personal best of 85.72m.
- Bronze: Rohit Yadav (India) with a solid effort of 84.35m.
The success of Singh and Yadav marks a significant milestone for Indian track and field, demonstrating that the country is building a sustainable legacy in throwing events even in the absence of its most decorated star.