Reigning Asian champion Neeraj Chopra created a new national record on his way to the men's javelin gold at the 18th Asian Games on Monday. Neeraj threw 88.06 metres in his third attempt to clinch the gold. Shivpal Singh, the other Indian in the fray, registered 74.11m to finish eighth. This was India’s eighth gold medal at the ongoing 2018 Asian Games. Courtesy, Neeraj’s gold India now have secured 41 medals at the multi-sport event, which includes 8 gold, 13 silver, and 20 bronze. Updated Asian Games 2018 Medals Tally.

China’s Qizhen Liu clinched the silver medal in the men's javelin throw while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem walked away with the bronze medal. Neeraj’s best throw of 88.06 came in the third attempt and is a national record as well. Asian Games 2018 Live News Updates Day 9

Meanwhile, Prime Minster Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated the 20-year-old on winning the gold and setting the new national record as well. “When @Neeraj_chopra1 is on the field, expect the very best from him. This youngster makes India happier by winning a Gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw Final. We also congratulate him for setting a new national record,” Modi tweeted.

Neeraj, who was also the flag bearer of the Indian contingent, before the start of the Asian Games had said that he is not keeping himself under pressure and is only looking forward to give his absolute best in the prestigious quadrennial event.

"I am very happy that I have been given the opportunity as the flag bearer for the Indian contingent. I am thankful to the IOA that I have got this opportunity. I have worked hard and will try to give my best show at the Games. I am not putting myself under any kind of pressure like of winning medals or to mark more distance,” he earlier told ANI. (With agencies inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2018 07:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).