Asian Games 2023: Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Asked To Retake First Throw; Controversy Erupts| Details

Neeraj Chopra, India's celebrated javelin athlete, found himself embroiled in a significant controversy during the 2023 Asian Games Men's Javelin Throw final, held at the Hangzhou Olympic Park Main Stadium. The event witnessed an unusual turn of events when Neeraj's remarkable initial throw was inexplicably disregarded by the organizers.

In a display of incredible prowess, the reigning World and Olympic champion launched a massive throw that appeared to surpass the 85-meter mark, a performance that could have secured him the coveted gold medal. However, to the astonishment of spectators and athletes alike, the organizers remained silent, offering no official results for Neeraj's first throw.

After a prolonged 10-minute delay, marked by extensive deliberations among the event organizers, Neeraj was asked to retake his throw, with the initial attempt not being counted. This turn of events left both Neeraj and the global audience baffled, as no official explanation was provided by either the Chinese organizers or the Olympic Council of Asia regarding the decision.

Unfortunately, Neeraj's second throw did not live up to the exceptional standard set by his first attempt, resulting in a distance of 82.38 meters.

Regrettably, this incident marked the second instance of some bizzare officiating impacting an Indian athlete at the 2023 Asian Games. On Sunday, 1st October, Jyoti Yarraji faced the threat of disqualification due to a false start. However, video replays subsequently revealed that Yarraji was not at fault, and it was a home athlete who had caused the issue. Following a protest by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Yarraji's bronze medal was rightfully upgraded to silver.

The controversy surrounding Neeraj's performance garnered widespread attention and condemnation, particularly on social media platforms such as Twitter. Indian viewers expressed their outrage over the perceived unfair practices and alleged cheating by the event organizers in China.

The incident has raised questions about the need for greater transparency and accountability in sports officiating to ensure that athletes receive fair and just treatment on the international stage. It remains to be seen whether further clarification or action will be taken in response to this unsettling turn of events at the Asian Games.

Indian viewers were filled with wrath upon what ensued with India's golden boy Neeraj. Twitter laid out a storm on the organisers in China accusing them of unfair practices and cheating.

One user Saurabh Singh wrote on X, "Cheap Chinese products. Even China can't measure the javelin distance of our Golden boy Neeraj Chopra"

Another user Prayag wrote, "NeerajChopra hit 87+ but had to take reattempt because of China's mismanagement."

Johns, while praising Neeraj for standing up against 'unjust' practices wrote, "Kishore Jena's 2nd throw is counted legal as it should have been in first place. Brilliant leadership shown by Neeraj Chopra to stand up against clueless and unjust Chinese officials."