Neeraj has won Asian Games and World Championships Gold in men's javelin this year.
After clinching a gold medal at the recently concluded Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, Neeraj Chopra will look to add another feat to his trophy cabinet as he was nominated for the Men's World Athlete Of The Year 2023. The 25-year-old was part of the 11-man shortlist that will be announced by the world athletics body. Neeraj faces some stiff competition from other track and field icons such as USA's Noah Lyles, Kelvin Kiptum amongst others. (More Sports News)
Neeraj had a brilliant 2023 as he capped it off with a sensational gold medal at the Asian Games in Men's javelin event. The Olympic champion recovered after a slow start with a 88.88m to grab Gold in Hangzhou earlier this month. Moreover, Kishore Jena clinched Silver with a throw of 87.54m as India finished with a 1-2 finish at the event.
However, Neeraj was not able to defend his Diamond Trophy title as he finished second in the Diamond League final with a throw of 83.80m. The India also grabbed second at the Zurich Diamond League in August.
Neeraj though have his highs with a Gold in the World Athletis Championships with a throw of 88.17m. He also won in Doha and Lausanne legs of the Diamond League before the crowning glory in Budapest.
The nominees for 2023 Men’s World Athlete of the Year are (in alphabetical order):
Neeraj Chopra, IND, javelin
· World champion
· Asian Games champion
Ryan Crouser, USA, shot put
· World champion
· World record
Mondo Duplantis, SWE, pole vault
· World champion
· Diamond League champion with world record
Soufiane El Bakkali, MAR, 3000m steeplechase
· World champion
· Undefeated in six finals
Jakob Ingebrigtsen, NOR, 1500m/mile/5000m
· World 5000m champion and 1500m silver medallist
· European records for 1500m, mile and 3000m
Kelvin Kiptum, KEN, marathon
· London and Chicago Marathon winner
· Marathon world record breaker
Pierce LePage, CAN, decathlon
· World champion
· World leader
Noah Lyles, USA, 100m/200m
· World 100m and 200m champion
· World leader and undefeated in six finals at 200m
Alvaro Martin, ESP, race walk
· World 20km and 35km race walk champion
· World leader 20km race walk
Miltiadis Tentoglou, long jump
· World champion
· European Indoor champion
Karsten Warholm, NOR, 400m hurdles/400m
· World 400m hurdles champion
· European indoor 400m champion
The winners will be revealed on World Athletics’ social media platforms on 11 December.