“Medal is one thing, distance is another. Crossing the 90m mark will put me on the list of the world's best throwers”
Neeraj Chopra, India's pride and poster boy for Indian sport, revealed in an interview to a section of the media revealing that while it looks effortless, it is a much tougher task to retain the glory he has achieved in his early years of being India's Olympic champ.
Neeraj Chopra, the gold medalist as the world knows him, appears to be as human after all - just like all of us. He wants to eat his parathas, he wants to devour his hometown Haryanvi food, and he wants to have his cup of tea kicking back on days he just doesn't feel like it. But he also realizes that he is no ordinary human. And no ordinary Indian. Millions of Indians watch him when he throws that javelin across the stretch, thousands of them idolize him and want to be like him someday. And for that reason, his slip will cost a million dreams and he understands the weight of that responsibility on his young 24-year-old shoulders.
He revealed that he let himself indulge in his favourite foods after winning the gold medal. He ate a lot of his favourite food and which resulted in him gaining 12 kg weight. He also said that he had to miss out on a few competitions as he was not fit enough to be a part of the competition.
But then, it hit him - he had to get back. He would have plenty of time to eat during the off-season. But now, was the time to get back on his feet, discipline up and get going again. Although he does not regret his decision to not participate in the other competitions - he plays to win. But he knew he perhaps didn't stand a chance if he maintained his current fitness and preparedness levels.
He has started his training aggressively again surrounding himself with coaches who 'make him pay' if he even touches a paratha. He has lost almost 5kg in less than a month and now knows how difficult it is for the body to get back up once you batter it down with a slip-up in your discipline and training.
Right now Neeraj is in California training for his upcoming competitions after coming back from a short Diwali vacation. He also added that training abroad is better as he can give his 100%. His day consists of training and resting. He does not go out and gives his full attention to training. He even says that he wants to beat his best record of 88.44 metres and go for the 90 metres mark. Although there won't be any difference in his technique, he will work on his core muscles and make improvements and hopes that will help cover the distance.
He also spoke about the growth of javelin throwing as a sport, “I have visited a few stadiums and have seen a lot of kids. Coaches told me that due to Covid, the numbers were a little less but a lot of children are joining. It is a beautiful change. Everyone watched the Olympics this time and now parents are now encouraging their children. I have seen a lot of kids taking up javelin.”
Neeraj Chopra definitely left a mark in India's history and the history of the javelin throwing sport. We love him as India's marquee sportsman and we understand how difficult it can get sometimes to keep up with your own expectations, let alone those of a 140-crore population. Those are truly overwhelming sometimes Neeraj and we are sure you will continue making India proud.
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