News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/9th August 2024
The javelin final at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a heart-stopping event for many, especially for fans of India’s Neeraj Chopra, whose silver medal performance had Indians and Pakistanis alike on the edge of their seats. The competition proved not only thrilling but also physiologically impactful, as evidenced by a recent study conducted by Indian wearables brand Noise.
In a dramatic finish, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem clinched the gold medal with an impressive throw of 92.97 meters, setting a new Olympic record. This victory marked Pakistan’s first medal since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and their first gold since 1984. Chopra, who had previously secured gold at the Tokyo Olympics, earned silver this time with a throw of 89.45 meters, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters took bronze with 88.54 meters.
The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, and it significantly impacted viewers’ physiological responses. The following day, Noise released data showing that the average heart rate of its users was exceptionally high during the javelin final. Amit Khatri, co-founder of Noise, highlighted that the heart rate data was “notably high” at various timestamps throughout the event, reflecting the intense engagement and emotional investment of the audience. The data, which covered the heart rates of three million users, demonstrated how closely people were following the competition and supporting Chopra.
Chopra, who had become a national hero with his historic gold in track and field three years ago, was met with enthusiastic support despite the pandemic’s restrictions during the Tokyo Games. This time, the Indian diaspora worldwide showed their unwavering support for Chopra. From students in Edinburgh and Austria to a couple from London and a cancer researcher in Switzerland, supporters were visible in the stands, proudly waving Indian flags.
The javelin event has also sparked renewed interest in the sport. Varun Mathur, who traveled from London with his partner Sujata Ravi, noted the growing fascination with javelin, which had not been a major sport in India. Mathur emphasized the rivalry between Chopra and Nadeem, who had previously secured silver behind Chopra at the world championships, and predicted that this would add an exciting dynamic to future competitions.
Chopra’s impact goes beyond just his athletic achievements. His performances have inspired many and increased interest in javelin, demonstrating the power of sports to unite people and stir deep emotional responses. The elevated heart rates during the event are a testament to the intense national pride and excitement generated by Chopra’s participation in the Olympics.
As Neeraj Chopra continues to capture the imagination of fans both in India and abroad, his influence extends well beyond the field, showcasing the profound connection between athletes and their supporters. The Paris 2024 javelin final has not only highlighted Chopra’s remarkable skills but also illustrated the unifying and exhilarating power of Olympic sports.
