India at Tokyo Olympics 2020, Aug 7 Highlights: Neeraj Chopra wins India's first gold, Bajrang Punia takes bronze

India at Tokyo Olympics 2020: Neeraj Chopra created history by grabbing the gold medal in men's javelin throw finals with a throw of 87.58m at the Tokyo Olympic Games on August 7, 2021. The 22-year-old became the first-ever Indian athlete and second Indian to win an individual gold at the Olympics. 

India ended its campaign at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in style with seven medals, including one gold, two silver and four bronze medals, which makes up India's highest-ever medal tally. The previous best medal haul for India was six at the 2012 London Olympics. 

Read: Neeraj Chopra wins India's first gold in Athletics

History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2021

Bajrang Punia also grabbed the bronze medal in the men's wrestling freestyle 65kg bronze medal event after defeating three-time Asian Champion Daulet Niyazbekov 8-0. 

Aditi Ashok also put up a stunning performance in golf earlier today.  She was tied at the 2nd place in the first three rounds and narrowly missed the bronze medal after finishing fourth in the fourth round. 

Aditi Ashok not only made a strong comeback from her 41st place finish in Rio Olympics but also created a historic moment, as no other Indian golfer has ever achieved this before. Though she missed the bronze, her performance will be remembered for a long time to come. 

India’s 🇮🇳 1st woman golfer
to finish 4th at Olympics Games!

Aditi Ashok, deserves a standing ovation for her exemplary performance at #Tokyo2020.

You played consistently well, had us holding our breath till the end @aditigolf !

You created history, best wishes ahead. pic.twitter.com/ZirJgzcgFw

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 7, 2021

Well played, Aditi Ashok! One more daughter of India makes her mark!

You have taken Indian golfing to new heights by today's historic performance. You have played with immense calm and poise. Congratulations for the impressive display of grit and skills.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2021

The Indian women's hockey team also fell just one goal short of bronze after they lost 3-4 to Great Britain in the women's bronze medal match on August 6th.  It was a heartbreaking loss for the women's team, who put up their best fight. The team broke down after their narrow loss. Their achievements, however, will be remembered for years to come as it was the first-ever time that India entered the semifinals in women's hockey. India is also world no. 4 now, which is an achievement in itself. 

हॉकी का सुनहरा दौर वापस लौट आया है ! 🇮🇳

Don't break down girls, you all played superb at #Tokyo2020 by reaching top 4 in the world!
I appreciate our Women's Hockey for making India proud. #Cheer4India !! https://t.co/74J5QwxrYN pic.twitter.com/xMaGC3yLg6

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 6, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "We narrowly missed a medal in Women’s Hockey but this team reflects the spirit of New India- where we give our best and scale new frontiers. More importantly, their success at #Tokyo2020 will motivate young daughters of India to take up Hockey and excel in it. Proud of this team."

We narrowly missed a medal in Women’s Hockey but this team reflects the spirit of New India- where we give our best and scale new frontiers. More importantly, their success at #Tokyo2020 will motivate young daughters of India to take up Hockey and excel in it. Proud of this team.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021

PM Modi added by saying, "We will always remember the great performance of our Women’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020. They gave their best throughout. Each and every member of the team is blessed with remarkable courage, skill and resilience. India is proud of this outstanding team."

We will always remember the great performance of our Women’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020. They gave their best throughout. Each and every member of the team is blessed with remarkable courage, skill and resilience. India is proud of this outstanding team.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021

India at Tokyo 2020 Olympics: August 7 Full Highlights 

Declared Results 

Golf 

Athletics 

Amoj Jacob, Naganathan Pandi, Arokia Rajiv, Nirma Noah Tom, and Muhammed Anas in heat 2, Men's 4x400m relay.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Wishing Japan PM and Japan the very best for Tokyo 2020 Olympics
 and Paralympics.  We look forward to a season of incredible performances by the world's best sportspersons! "

Wishing PM @sugawitter and 🇯🇵 the very best for #Tokyo2020 @Olympics and @Paralympics. We look forward to a season of incredible performances by the world's best sportspersons! @Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2021

Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur also posted an inspiring video to wish the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

#Tokyo2020 Olympic Games begin today!

130 crore Indians will be cheering for #TeamIndia !

🇮🇳Indian Olympics Contingent is 127 members strong, spread across 18 sports disciplines.

Largest & most diverse Indian Contingent ever!

कर मैदान फ़तह, हर मैदान फ़तह|@WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/kmyRsT34j9

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 23, 2021