Asian Games 2023: Neeraj Chopra bags gold, Kishore Jena silver in spectacular show

In a thrilling javelin final that was dominated by two Indians, Neeraj Chopra defended his crown at the Asian Games while emerging star Kishore Jena clinched a silver medal. The national stadium in Hangzhou witnessed India’s incredible play in the game as Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena battled for Gold and Silver in the 12-man field.

Kishore Jena, who impressed everyone in his maiden World Championship appearance in the men’s javelin event this year, gave the Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra a neck-to-neck competition in the final on Wednesday.

Both Neeraj and Kishore’s throw faced technical failures at the start of the men’s javelin final. Neeraj’s first throw was scratched off due to technical reasons while Kishore Jena’s second throw was mistakenly called foul before it was given the white flag. However, both the Indian stars overcame the early setbacks to finish high. Japan’s Dean Genki Roderick took the bronze medal in the men’s javelin final with a best effort of 82.68m.

Historic GOLD & SILVER for India 🔥🔥🔥

Neeraj Chopra wins Gold & Kishore Jena wins Silver medal in Javelin Throw.
Neeraj with SB: 88.88m
Kishore with PB: 87.54m (Also qualifies for Paris Olympics. #AGwithIAS | #IndiaAtAsianGames #AsianGames2022 pic.twitter.com/CRxQN9ZxL0

— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) October 4, 2023

It was Kishore Jena who was leading the men’s javelin final after three throwdowns as he notched up his personal best of the season 87.54m.

However, Neeraj Chopra did not lose focus and defended his Asian Games crown with a sensational throw of 88,88m, also his season best.

🥇 in South Asian Games 2016
🥇 in Asian Championship 2017
🥇 in Commonwealth Games 2018
🥇 in Asian Games 2018
🥇 in Olympics 2020
🥇 in Diamond League 2022
🥈 in World Championships 2022
🥇 in World Championships 2023
🥈 In Diamond League 2023
🥇 In Asian Games 2023

Neeraj… pic.twitter.com/lR86gR8ZpA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 4, 2023

Neeraj Chopra throws: 82.38m, 84.49m, x, 88.88m, 80.80m, x

Kishore Jena throws: 81.26m, 79.76m, 86.77m, 87.54m, x, x

A day earlier, India’s Annu Rani won the women’s javelin Gold medal.