Neeraj Chopra Shortlisted For World Athletics Awards

Neeraj Chopra, a renowned Indian javelin thrower, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Men’s ‘World Athlete of the Year’ award. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional performance in athletics this year. 

The announcement of the award winner will be made on December 11, 2023, on World Athletics’ platforms as part of the World Athletics Awards 2023 ceremony.

The 25-year-old Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra has had an extraordinary year, marked by winning gold medals at both the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games. 

His performance at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest was historic, where he secured a gold medal with an impressive 88.17m throw. 

This feat established him as the second Indian, after shooter Abhinav Bindra, to simultaneously hold Olympic gold and World Championships honors.

The finalists for the award include Chopra along with four other exceptional athletes: 

1. Ryan Crouser from the USA in shot put,
2. Mondo Duplantis from Sweden in pole vault,
3. Kelvin Kiptum from Kenya in marathon, and
4. Noah Lyles from the USA in 100m/200m sprint.

These athletes have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their respective disciplines, setting world records and winning multiple championships.

The process to determine the finalists involved a three-way voting system. Votes were cast by the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family via email, and fans through online platforms. A record number of 2 million votes were registered through social media. This inclusive voting process concluded on October 28, 2023.

The World Athletics Awards, where the ‘World Athlete of the Year’ will be announced, is a significant event in the athletics calendar. It celebrates the exceptional achievements of athletes worldwide. 

As part of the celebration, a lucky fan and their companion will have the chance to win a VIP trip to Monaco during the World Athletics Awards. 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a three-night stay in Monaco from December 9-11, meeting the top athletes of 2023, and includes flights, accommodation, and evening meals.

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Chopra’s inclusion in the list of finalists for ‘World Athlete of the Year’ not only highlights his achievements but also brings pride to India in the international athletic arena. 

The anticipation for the award announcement is high, and regardless of the outcome, Chopra’s accomplishments this year have already made him a prominent figure in sports history.