Neeraj Chopra turns 28: Career Milestones, Net Worth and Legacy of India’s Javelin Star

Indian athletics sensation Neeraj Chopra stands today as one of the most accomplished and influential sports figures in the country’s history. Born in 1997 in Khandra village, Haryana, Chopra’s journey in javelin throw has been marked by historic achievements, sustained excellence, and growing global recognition.

Chopra first caught the world’s attention with an extraordinary performance at the 2016 World U20 Championships, where his throw of 86.48 m set a world junior record, a sign of the greatness to come. His rise accelerated in 2021 when he delivered a career-defining moment by winning Olympic gold in the men’s javelin at Tokyo 2020, becoming the first Indian to win Olympic gold in athletics.

He followed this with a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, throwing 89.45 metres and becoming one of only five Indians to win multiple individual Olympic medals. Beyond the Olympics, Chopra became the first Asian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships and claimed victories at the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and other major international competitions, cementing his legacy as a global javelin great.

One of Chopra’s most significant milestones came in 2025 when he breached the 90-metre mark at the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 90.23 m, making him only the 25th man in history to achieve this feat, a moment that captured the imagination of athletics fans worldwide.

2025 also saw Chopra host and win the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, India’s first world-class field competition named after the athlete, drawing thousands of spectators and some of the globe’s best throwers. Through initiatives like this, he’s not only showcasing his own talent but fostering a stronger athletics culture within India.

Chopra’s success has translated into substantial recognition off the track. In October 2025, he was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Army, a prestigious honour reflecting his contributions to sport and national pride.

On the commercial front, Chopra’s image and appeal have attracted lucrative endorsements from major brands across sectors like automotive, tech, sportswear, beverages and finance. Analysts estimate his net worth around ₹37 crore (approx. $4.5 million) as of 2025, bolstered by brand deals, competition earnings, and government awards including significant cash incentives for Olympic medals.

Neeraj Chopra’s journey from a village in Haryana to the pinnacle of global athletics has inspired a generation of Indian athletes. His consistency including a podium streak in international competitions since 2020 demonstrates not just talent but remarkable resilience and focus.

By pushing boundaries, elevating the profile of athletics in India, and engaging fans through performance and personality, Chopra has helped shift the narrative around Indian sports. As he continues competing and championing javelin throw, his legacy only deepens not just as a medal-winning athlete but as a symbol of Indian sporting aspiration.