Celebrated Olympic and World Champion in men’s javelin, Neeraj Chopra, has been conferred the prestigious title of Laureus Ambassador, marking a significant milestone in his journey as an athlete and advocate for positive change. This acknowledgment is a tribute to his extraordinary achievement at the Tokyo Olympics, where he etched his name in history as the first Indian track and field athlete to seize the gold medal.
Neeraj’s association with Laureus traces its roots back to 2022 when he emerged as a finalist for the coveted Breakthrough of the Year award at the illustrious Laureus World Sports Awards. This accolade recognized his remarkable triumph in Tokyo, where he not only clinched gold but also brought immense pride to his nation.
What fueled Neeraj’s interest in Laureus was the organization’s unwavering dedication to harnessing the transformative power of sports. As he delved deeper into the Laureus ethos, he was captivated by its athlete-led initiatives and programs that leverage the unifying and uplifting influence of sports to bring about positive change.
By assuming the role of a Laureus Ambassador, Neeraj Chopra joins a select group of elite athletes spanning generations. This distinguished circle includes iconic figures from Indian sports, such as Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar, who have lent their support to the organization.
Neeraj’s journey to becoming a Laureus Ambassador is a testament to his unparalleled achievements in the world of athletics. With gold medals at the World Championships and, most recently, at the Asian Games, he has ascended to the pinnacle of his sport. His stellar performance has catapulted him to a level of fame that transcends the boundaries of the track and field. Notably, his historic throw in Tokyo on August 7 has earned the distinction of being celebrated as National Javelin Day in India, underscoring his profound impact on the country’s sporting landscape.
Laureus, a global sports-based charity, is driven by a core mission of enhancing the lives of young people. It employs a range of initiatives, including the Sport for Good program, the World Sports Academy, the Ambassador program, and the World Sports Awards, to harness the inspirational power of sports as a catalyst for positive transformation. The organization extends its support to over 300 programs worldwide that leverage sports to combat inequality and discrimination, with a particular focus on empowering young people. Neeraj Chopra’s induction as a Laureus Ambassador aligns seamlessly with this noble cause, further amplifying the organization’s impact on the world stage.