India's golden boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, and his wife, former tennis player Himani Mor, have finally hosted their much-anticipated wedding receptions, bringing a festive close to a year that began with a private ceremony. The celebrations, held in two parts, took place nearly 11 months after the couple tied the knot in a quiet affair.
A Celebration Deferred for Gold
The couple had exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on January 16 in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, surrounded only by immediate family and close friends. With Neeraj's javelin season commencing right after and his training demanding absolute focus, a large-scale celebration was impractical at the time. The families mutually decided to postpone the public festivities to a more suitable moment later in the year.
That moment arrived in the last week of December. The first reception was held in Karnal, Himani's hometown, on December 25, followed by a larger event in the national capital, New Delhi, on December 27.
Star-Studded Guest List and Regal Attire
Both events became a confluence of the nation's sporting and political elite. The Delhi reception at The Leela Palace saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. PM Modi also graced the Karnal event, where he blessed the newlyweds and presented them with an idol of Lord Ram.
The guest list was a testament to Neeraj's stature. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with several senior state leaders, attended the Karnal celebration. Other notable figures included former President Ram Nath Kovind, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harwinder Kalyan, and BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli.
The sporting world was well-represented too, with boxers like Rajesh Kumar Rajound and Manoj Kumar joining the celebrations in Karnal. The couple dazzled in their wedding finery. For one reception, Neeraj chose a sleek black sherwani adorned with gold buttons and a red pocket square, while Himani looked resplendent in a deep maroon bridal lehenga with intricate gold floral embroidery. For another event, they coordinated in elegant black outfits with golden motifs.
Feasting on Tradition and Scale
The scale of the celebrations was massive, especially in Karnal, where the reception hosted over 2,500 guests. To manage such a volume, catering teams were specially brought in from Mumbai. The menu paid homage to Haryanvi flavours and homestyle cooking, mirroring the simple food Neeraj enjoys at his in-laws' place.
While the full menu remains private, reports suggest that chicken dum biryani emerged as a major crowd-pleaser. The spread was a festive array of dishes, balancing grand catering with regional authenticity. Despite his strict athletic diet, Neeraj is known to have a sweet tooth, with favourites like Gulab Jamun with ice cream, churma, and kheer.
Who is Himani Mor?
Himani Mor, hailing from Sonipat, Haryana, is a former national-level tennis player who has now transitioned into sports management. She represented India at prestigious events like the 2017 World University Games and clinched gold at the 2016 World Junior Tennis Championship. At her peak in 2018, she was ranked 42nd in singles and 27th in doubles in India.
An accomplished academic, Himani holds degrees in Political Science and Physical Education, along with two MBA degrees in sports and HR management from universities in the United States. She is currently pursuing an MS in Sports Management and works as a graduate assistant managing the women’s tennis team at Amherst College. The couple reportedly met through sports circles, bonding over their shared passion for athletics.
The dual receptions marked a joyous and well-deserved celebration for the couple, allowing them to share their happiness with a wider circle after a year of relentless dedication and historic achievements on the global sporting stage.
