New Delhi, Nov 15:  Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has secured a spot in the final list for the World Athletics' Men's World Athlete of the Year award 2023. The announcement came from World Athletics on Tuesday, revealing the names of five finalists as the anticipation builds for the World Athletics Awards 2023, set to be disclosed on December 11. Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, earned his place in the final roster after claiming the gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest and successfully defending his title at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, both in 2023.

The five finalists, representing four countries across different athletics disciplines, exhibited outstanding performances throughout 2023, achieving victories and setting world records. The selection process involved narrowing down from an initial list of 11 athletes, chosen by an international panel of athletics experts from all six continental areas of World Athletics.

In a historic moment for Indian athletics at the World Championships in Budapest, 25-year-old Neeraj Chopra made history by securing the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event, becoming the first-ever Indian athlete to achieve this prestigious feat. The global recognition of his achievements positions him among the top contenders for the coveted Men's World Athlete of the Year award.