NEW DELHI: In a virtual interaction organized by JSW Sports after his return from Paris, Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo gold medalist and silver medalist at Paris 2024, opened up about his recent performance and the unique rewards he has received during his athletic career.
Chopra expressed confidence in surpassing Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking throw at the Paris Olympics but admitted that he struggled to execute his throws as planned on the day of the competition. Despite his best efforts, Chopra managed a silver medal with his only legal throw, while the rest were fouls.
The 26-year-old from Haryana also spoke about the amusing reaction on social media regarding Arshad Nadeem being gifted a buffalo for winning gold. He highlighted that such gifts are not uncommon in Indian sports culture, especially in regions like Haryana. “I was gifted desi ghee once. Back home in Haryana, we often receive gifts like 10 or 50 kilos of desi ghee or ladoos. People would make promises like, ‘If Neeraj wins this competition, I’ll give him 50 kgs of ghee.’ These gifts are given because we believe they help increase strength, which is essential in our sports,” Chopra shared with a smile.
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During the interaction, Chopra revealed that he plans to stay in Switzerland for another month to participate in the upcoming Diamond League meets. He is currently training in Magglingen, where the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport is located. Despite dealing with a persistent groin injury, Chopra is determined to continue competing but acknowledged that surgery might be necessary soon.
“My mother sometimes sees my training videos and tells me to take it easy. But I remind her that if I ease up on hard work, others will overtake me,” he chuckled.
Reflecting on the Paris Olympics, Chopra admitted that after seeing Nadeem’s throw of 92.97 meters, he was confident that he could achieve a similar distance. However, he mentioned that he was mentally holding back, which affected his performance. “When we start running for the throw, it directly impacts our groin. My coach also pointed out that I need to work on my line as my throws were going inside. I got too excited on the big stage, and that’s where I missed,” Chopra explained.
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Chopra also discussed the ongoing challenges with his adductor injury, stating that it has been a significant concern for him. “When I am throwing, 60-70 percent of my focus is on the injury. I don’t want to get hurt again. My speed has been slower because I’m pushing myself cautiously,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chopra confirmed that he will compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22, despite the ongoing injury concerns. He emphasized that his focus remains on recovery and preparation for future competitions.
Neeraj Chopra’s candid reflections and determination to continue competing despite his challenges demonstrate his unwavering commitment to excellence in athletics.