The Staggering Amount India Spent to Make Neeraj Chopra a Champion at Tokyo Olympics 2020

India secured its record-breaking seven medals at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Neeraj Chopra was the lone Olympic gold medalist for the nation at the mega-quadrennial event.

Chopra’s performance in the javelin throw event outclassed his opponents. Like every other Olympic champion, it took Neeraj Chopra a lot of hustle and hard work to reach this feat. Behind the success of the champion is also the financial support and backing, given by the Indian government.

Crores of investment on Tokyo Olympics 2020 gold medalist by the Indian government

Neeraj Chopra created history for India by clinching its second Olympic gold. When Indians had lost all hopes came in the Indian soldier making the longest throw directly at the Olympic podium.

According to the estimates, Neeraj Chopra has received around $9,43,180.07 USD between the time of 2016-2021. German coach Dr. Klaus Bartoneitz has coached Neeraj since 2019.

Klaus, who served as the golden deal for India as Neeraj won, has been given a salary of $1,64,382.81 USD to date. The German coach is also a biometric specialist.

Foreign exposure from all around the world

Neeraj Chopra went under a career-threatening elbow surgery in 2019. After the surgery, Chopra had to spend a long time rehabilitation center to recover. However, the golden boy made a strong comeback, winning the Olympic quota in 2020.

The federation took care of the injury management along with an NGO. The Indian government has a special Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Neeraj was also a part of the scheme.

From Visa support to foreign exposures for training, the government gave all the support to the athlete. Neeraj traveled to South Africa, Turkey, Poland, Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic for special training.

In 2021, Neeraj spent 50 days in Sweden for Olympic preparatory camp. This camp cost the government around $25,897 USD, after which he traveled to Europe for championships.

The Indian government has spent around $6,543.5 USD on foreign exposure and competition for Neeraj. Whereas they spent $5,861 USD on four javelins bought for him and a javelin throw machine.

Sports Authority of India organized a special National coaching camp of 1167 days was organized at NSNIS Patiala. Every penny spent by the Indian government was worth it in the end, as they earned the gold medal.

In the finals, German athlete Johannes Vetter was the favorite to win. But, with his incredible form, Neeraj was able to reach 87.58 cm a length which no one else could cross. Neeraj Chopra has received more cash rewards now than what the government invested in him.

Also read: Indian Athletes Beat USA and Russia at Tokyo Olympics 2020 to Earn the Highest Cash Rewards