Neeraj Chopra, Olympic gold medalist, current Asian and World champion, is a very busy man. While his celebrity status brings many opportunities, it also creates challenges for his training routine. Based abroad most of the year, for most of his training, Chopra recently acknowledged this during a press conference in Doha, ahead of his first competition of the season – the Diamond League.
“For me, more important is my sport,” Chopra stated. “It’s good for my profile if I play in India, but there are too many functions, marriage functions. I also want to join my family and friends, but more than that, I want to train in an Olympic year.”
The 26-year-old superstar, who holds Olympic, World, and Asian Games titles, is clear about his priorities. While he recognizes the benefits of competing in India and raising the profile of his sport, his focus remains on preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Also Read: Most popular Olympic events by viewership in Detail
“Before Tokyo (Olympics), I always trained in India,” Chopra explained. “But right now I just want to focus on my game. I will train in India later.”
Chopra’s commitment to training is evident in his recent training stints in South Africa, Turkey, and Switzerland. He understands the power of his celebrity and its impact on Indian athletics.
“It’s not like cricketers, like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, but a lot of people know me,” he said. “I go to India sometimes, people know me, which is good for athletics. People know about athletics and follow athletics because of the Olympic gold.”
When asked about competing in every Diamond League event, Chopra deferred to his coach’s decision. However, his ultimate goal remains clear – breaking the elusive 90-meter barrier.
Neeraj Chopra 🇮🇳 is chasing the 90-metre barrier this season.
He has consistently thrown over 88m since 2018.pic.twitter.com/Y1xKeTVDND
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) May 9, 2024
“About 90m, last year I said I will throw 90 and threw 88,” Chopra admitted. “This year, I don’t want to say, I want to show.”
He continued, “People have been asking me this question since 2018, when I threw 88.06 at the Asian Games. But, a lot of things happened – my elbow injury, the surgery – and now I have been stuck between 88 and 90 meters.”
“I really want to break the barrier this year,” he declared. “Even last year, I had said that Doha is famous for 90m. But, we were not lucky due to too much of head wind. But maybe tomorrow we’ll have a good day.”
Chopra acknowledges the immense pressure that comes with competing at the highest level. However, he remains focused on staying healthy and perfecting his technique.
“…obviously, it is the Olympics year and India is a big country and everyone expects gold,” he said. “But, it’s really hard in Olympics because the best from the world are competing with you. My focus is to just stay healthy and concentrate on my technique. And yes, if I stay healthy everything will be good.”
The press conference ended with a lighter note, with Chopra addressing the growing trend of youngsters mimicking his long hair. “No, it’s not good for throwing without a bandana,” he quipped with a laugh. “You can’t see the foul line!”
Neeraj Chopra’s dedication to his sport is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. As he embarks on his 2024 season, the entire nation will be cheering him on, hoping to witness him break the 90-meter barrier and bring home another gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
