India got its first Gold medal in Olympics in the men’s javelin throw event

India recently got its first Gold medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the men’s javelin throw event bagged by Neeraj Chopra got, also a first in the category of Track and Field.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2021

The Javelin throw is a track and field event where the javelin, a spear is thrown. The javelin thrower gains momentum by running within a predetermined area.

It was added to the Ancient Olympic Games as part of the pentathlon in 708 BC. It consisted of the participation of both men and women. Modern Olympics Games programme had initiated the javelin throw for men in 1908 and women in 1932.

While throwing the javelin, the athlete must not turn his back towards the landing area at any given time between their approach and throw.

The javelin must be thrown from above the upper part of their throwing arm and must not cross the foul or scratch line at any cost. For the throw to be measured, the javelin must land tip first.

There are different standards for men and women in the sport, where men’s javelin must weight a minimum of 800g and be 2.6m-2.7m long, women’s javelin can weigh a minimum of  600g and be 2.2m-2.3m long.