Neeraj Chopra and Himani Mor Celebrate with Grand Wedding Reception in Karnal
India’s golden boy of athletics, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, and his wife, former tennis player Himani Mor, hosted a lavish wedding reception in Karnal, Haryana, on Thursday, marking their first major public celebration after a private wedding earlier this year.
The grand event at The Eden Jannat Hall saw the couple greet thousands of well-wishers, prominent politicians, and artists, sharing their joy following an intimate ceremony in January.
A Celebrity Affair in Haryana
The Neeraj Chopra wedding reception was a star-studded affair that drew the who's who from Haryana's political and cultural spheres. Chief Guest Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended, blessing the couple and presenting them with an idol of Lord Ram.
The guest list was a testament to Chopra’s national stature. Other notable figures in attendance included:
Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda.
Haryanvi artist Renu Duhan.
A host of state ministers, MLAs, and sports personalities.
Reports indicate the couple personally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, underscoring the event's significance.
Emotional and Light-Hearted Moments
Beyond the glitz, the reception was filled with personal touches. A heartwarming scene unfolded when a young child knelt to offer the couple a rose; Neeraj responded by affectionately lifting the child into his arms.
On stage, the couple engaged in a playful interview with the anchor. When asked who takes longer to get ready, Neeraj humorously replied, “I get ready in five minutes, but Himani takes a little more time”. He also expressed that with his wife's support, his javelin would "go even further". A special highlight was artist RC Purohit creating a live portrait of the couple with the words "Love Is In Air," which received a thunderous applause.
From Private Vows to Public Celebration
Neeraj Chopra and Himani Mor tied the knot in a simple, private ceremony on January 16, 2025, at a resort in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, with only close family in attendance. The athlete had previously cited his demanding training schedule as the reason for keeping the wedding low-key.
The Karnal reception was the first of two major parties planned. A second, high-profile reception for VIPs is scheduled for December 27 at The Leela Hotel in New Delhi. This staggered celebration allows the nation’s sporting icon to share his happiness with a wider circle while managing his commitments.
The grand celebrations come after a landmark year for Chopra, who was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in October and met the iconic Czech coach Jan Zelezny. As the celebrations continue in Delhi, fans eagerly watch the next chapter for India’s champion athlete, both on the field and in his new life.
