‘So down to earth’: Video of Neeraj Chopra touching feet of senior fan wins the internet

Neeraj Chopra, a renowned javelin thrower from India, narrowly missed taking first place at the prestigious Stockholm Diamond League, but he still won many admirers. Not only for setting a new record twice in one month, but also for his humility.

The gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics is met by supporters outside the stadium in a video that is going viral online. He formally meets everyone and agrees to take pictures with them despite being pressed for time. He is seen shaking hands before departing near the conclusion, but he stops to show respect for an old fan by touching his feet. He thanks everyone for their love and support before sprinting off, saying that a car is waiting for him. All online users are fawning over a video that one of the admirers submitted.

A video posted by one of the fans has all swooning online. “So down to earth this person @Neeraj_chopra1,” Twitter user @ijnani, who shared the video wrote online. “Took blessing from an elderly fan. That speaks volumes,” the user added showering love and praise on the 24-year-old athlete.

His gesture impacted people on social media just as much as it did those who actually met him. A few users emphasised how respecting elders came naturally to him and were of the Indian culture. Others were amazed that his demeanour hasn’t changed despite breaking and setting new records every single month, saying that’s a sign of a true star.

Apart from setting a new national record, Chopra’s performance in Stockholm is noteworthy since it was his first top-three finish in a Diamond League competition. The Olympian came in second place against world champion Anderson Peters.

With an 89.3 metre throw in his season debut at the Paavo Nurmi Games in June, Chopra had broken his personal record. Later on Friday, Chopra set a record with a distance of 89.94 metres, but Peters broke it in the third round with a distance of 90.31 metres to win the competition. He is preparing to represent India and take home a medal at the World Championships in Eugene later this month after his incredible performance in Stockholm.

Picture Courtesy: Twitter (@ijnani)/images are subject to copyright