With an entire country watching his every move, Neeraj Chopra did not flinch. 

The World's second-ranked javelin thrower earned a special distinction on Sunday, claiming India's  first World Championship title in history with his winning mark of 88.17 meters inside the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary. 

Chopra , 25, was in the mood for redemption. A year ago, he finished second in Eugene. 

But on Sunday, little was in doubt. 

After Chopra missed the sector on his first attempt, he bombed his winning mark on his second throw, then followed with efforts of 86.32m, 84.64m, 87.73m and 83.98m.

What makes this story go further, however, is just how much expectation was placed on Chopra. He's among the globe's most followed track and field stars, with 6.4 million followers on Instagram. Sha'Carri Richardson, for example, has 2.7 million followers and Sydney McLaughlin has 1.1 million. 

Only Usain Bolt, with over 13 million followers, and Brazil's Paulo Andrade, with 8.5 million, rivals that of Chopra.

Chopra has now won two major titles over three years and is among the World's best, though his championship pedigree is putting him in another category entirely. 

The IOC recognizes Norman Pritchard as the first Olympic champion from India, though in 2021 Chopra became the second. 

Chopra's PR of 88.77m came on Aug. 25 during qualifying for the World Championship final.