CSK announce INR 1 crore cash prize for Neeraj Chopra

Chennai Super Kings have announced a cash prize of INR 1 crore for Neeraj Chopra, who became an overnight superstar after winning gold in the Javelin throw event of the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj is only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win gold in Olympics. The medal was India’s seventh in Tokyo Olympics and first in athletics in more than 100 years. The 23-year-old claimed a podium finish after throwing the javelin at a distance of 87.03, 87.58 and 76.79 in the three attempts respectively.

“We as Indians are proud of Neeraj Chopra as his effort at Tokyo 2020 will inspire millions of Indians to take up sport and instill belief in them to be able to compete and excel at the highest level in any discipline of the sport.

“His gold medal winning throw of 87.58m in the men’s javelin has galvanised the entire nation,” a CSK spokesperson said in an official statement.

“As a mark of appreciation and honour on his stellar achievement, CSK is awarding Rs. 1 crore to Neeraj Chopra,” the statement added.

The franchise will also release a special jersey to pay tribute to Neeraj Chopra. “CSK will be creating a special jersey with the number 8758 as a mark of respect to Neeraj Chopra,” the statement further read.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced prize money for the medal winners in Tokyo. Neeraj Chopra will receive a cash prize of INR 1 crore while silver medal winners Mirabai Chanu and Ravi Kumar Dahiya will be rewarded INR 50 lakhs. Bronze medal winners PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, and Bajrang Punia will get 25 lakh each. Meanwhile, the Indian men's hockey team that finished third will receive a sum of INR 1.25 crores.